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Wisdom Prayer

Shouts of Joy?

Shouts of Joy?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the Lord has done great things for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The great things God has done are a reason to shout for joy.

There is stark contrast between weeping and shouts of joy, yet scripture connects the two.

In Psalm 126:1-6 (ESV) the psalmist mentions the tears. Scripture also says what follows are the “shouts of joy.” Joyful shouts are mentioned three times in six verses.

Restoration would make a people rejoice and shout for joy!

The notes in the English Standard Version related to Psalm 126 refer to the idea that “Some scholars think that this is specifically ‘returned from exile’ (cf. Deut. 30:3), but the expression is more general than that…vv. 5-6 of Psalm 126 refer to the more general type of restoration.”

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.”

In life, people weep for a season and can later experience joy.

If you are in a season of weeping, it may be wise and appropriate to talk to a pastor or other trusted advisor. Prayer is also important. Hebrews 10:25 is about gathering together. Talk, pray, and gather together.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

Sing in the Face of Adversity?

Sing in the Face of Adversity?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who, in the face of adversity, sing and make melody to the Lord. In Jesus’ name amen.

In the face of trouble, David sang to the Lord. This would not be the default for most people. It is not a natural tendency to give shouts of joy or to sing when faced with a crisis. What about your reaction? Would you be like David?

Psalm 27:6-8 reminds us of how to react when under attack:

“And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, ‘Seek my face.’
My heart says to you,
‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’”

David, the psalmist, was making sacrifices, seeking God’s face, and singing. Instead of focusing on the problem, he looked to the Lord. Do likewise! 

Tell me what you think in the comments below.