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It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion's exiles. We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations - "God was wonderful to them!" God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people. And now, God, do it again - bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing. (Psalm 126)
I now wonder if I have been wishing you all a correct happy day! I went to bed thinking it was Tuesday (which was nice because I didn't have to take out the trash), and I awoke to looking at the Lectionary scriptures and said, that doesn't fit. We couldn't have done those in two days, today is Thursday! Yikes! So, out went the trash (in time!) and now I can say, HAPPY THURSDAY, dear Friend! Where do those days go?
What's your all-time favorite popular song? I was tempted to ask, like the "young people," What's your favorite jam, but most of us would think about strawberry, blackberries, grape, or any of the many jams that the gracious ladies of First Church Gonzales have shared with me! It could be a song that takes you back to a special moment; the time you and yours met, or the day s/he finally said yes! Or the song that was playing when your first child was born. Or, just a song that brings you joy as you hear it.
This psalm was the favorite of many an Israelite, for it was a song of victory and remembrance. It was the reminder of the day those who were taken away as prisoners or those who left because of different reasons, returned. The sight of the prodigal returning times a thousand is what you can imagine at the sight of so many who had been carried away now returning home! "We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune."
Honestly, for those who love the Lord, everyday is a day of victory and rejoicing. "God was wonderful to us," is something we can say every day. Today I sent a text to a dear friend and brother in Christ wishing him and his wife a Happy Anniversary; and he immediately responded that today is the day of his last radiation treatment and for now, thank God, his cancer is in remission! We can only add, in our prayers and praise, "God, do it again," and for those still facing hardships and challenges, "God bring rains to our drought-stricken lives." And that is our prayer; God will bless you and see you through the bleakness of this day; so that tomorrow you can join the singing of your favorite "jam." (Okay, that was enough, go make some biscuits and enjoy that type of jam!)
PRAYER: Loving God, for songs and jams, we are thankful. We pray for those not yet ready to sing, that You might indeed shower them with grace and love and the remedy and blessing they need. You have indeed been wonderful to us, and we pray You please do it again! In Christ Jesus we pray, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Be the singer of good songs to bless someone today!
Eradio Valverde
Here is yesterday's podcast on "Who Needs Older Brothers?" Click below to hear it. And share it!
