Links for today’s readings:
Jul 29 Read: Isaiah 58 Listen: (3:09) Read: Psalms 126-128 Listen: (1:58)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 126:1-2
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter.
Psalm 127:1-2
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Psalm 128:1-2
1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in obedience to him.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Reflection: Songs of Ascent Playlist – Joy Chose You
By Erin Newton
These three psalms of ascent are mountain peak songs: the rescue is complete; the singer arises out of the valleys of despair and enjoys the glories of restoration.
Laughing and dreaming—the scene probably looks like Maria twirling and singing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.” It’s pure joy. It’s not only restoration of finances, but also of the soul.
Psalm 127 is the disclaimer amid the hill-frolicking joy. Restored fortunes, restored joy only lasts if it’s built by the Lord.
Finally, Psalm 128 returns to the restoration of blessings.
Restoration plus the Lord equals blessedness.
For those who were reading and singing these songs after the exile or during their routine visits and escapes from everyday duties, taking time for joy is spiritual discipline.
“Count your blessings” is said as a reproof for not being grateful. In other ways, it can be a good reminder to acknowledge the goodness of life here and now.
Donna Ashworth wrote a poem called “Joy Chose You,” which highlights the rarity of joy. Two lines help us here:
“Joy does not arrive with a fanfare
on a red carpet strewn
with the flowers of a perfect life…
… joy is supposed to slither through
the cracks of your imperfect life…”
Whenever someone compliments our kids’ behavior or our relationship, my husband and I exchange a calm and knowing smile. Through fire and by God’s grace—that is the only answer we can give them. Like the psalmists here, we have been rescued (this time at least and in this area) so we have been granted moments of restoration and now we worship.
Have you taken time to count your blessings? Do you stop for a moment to acknowledge where God has restored you?
Admittedly, there are still many broken pieces in my life. I am still praying for a way out, a helping hand, an ease to a burden, but so far those are still unanswered.
The songs of ascent remind us that life is not just one mountain to climb but a series of peaks and valleys. We are not on a linear path from rescue to worship; it’s an ebb and flow, an up and down, an ascent and descent.
But here, now, let joy slither into the cracks of your imperfect life. Donna Ashworth says “joy chose you,” and I believe that “our God of joy chose you.”
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our Salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to him with psalms. — Psalm 95.1-2
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: When God Has Mercy…Will We?
Do we mistakenly think we deserve God’s mercy while others don’t?
Read more: The Gospel Crosses Boundaries and Brings Joy
Phillip, the second deacon…takes the gospel beyond Jerusalem’s boundaries…And where the gospel is preached, joy follows.
