Sadness into Singing
This week's psalm explores the tension between our joy and gladness in worship, the reality that in this brokedn world there are still tears, and the hope that God turns tears into joy in the end.
Outline
- Mixed blessing
- Back from exile
- Mixed blessings happen all the time
- Sowing in tears, reaping with joy
- There will be tears
- Sadness will ultimately turn to singing
- In between, we're called to live faithfully
- So what? How do we respond?
- Don't be surprised or discouraged by difficult days
- Celebrate the blessings and miracles you receive
- Trust our Guide to get us to a good destination
- Finally, worship by faithful living
When God delivered us with wonderful miracles,
It felt like were were dreaming.
We laughed and laughed, and sang for joy!
People who saw it said, "What amazing things God has done for them."
He has done amazing things. And we are so glad.
But Lord, in many ways we're still sad and disappointed.
Pleae help us again.
Renew us like the rain brings new life to the desert.
Those who plant their crops now with tears
will one day harvest with songs of joy.
We may weep as we go about our work, planting seeds,
But in the end we will be singing as we gather the harvest.