It is not possible to overestimate the significance of the Psalms. In them, we find the ideals of a God-filled life that reflect humility, worship, dependence and service. In them, we find descriptions of men whose lives were in constant communion with God. We also find lives that reflect deep sorrow for sin and the search for holiness and perfection. We discover what walking in darkness is like - without fear gripping our hearts and controlling our minds because we see “faith at work.” We are confronted with the results of sin and the benefits of repentance, restoration and righteousness. We see minds once tortured by guilt and shame restored to sanity by the grace and mercy of God - because He is faithful to His Word. We see the beauty of God’s love in comparison to the triumph of evil and wickedness. We see deep serenity following the storms of fear and danger.

More than any other book in the Bible, we see the tragic effects of sin in first-person stories. We also see what God can do for those who fall before Him and ask for His forgiveness. We see the roller-coaster of life ending in God’s peace for those who submit to and worship Him.

In the wisdom of God, His Spirit inspired the writers of the Psalms to take the experiences of men, who were as human as we are. They give us spiritual insight, wisdom, knowledge and courage to deal with every issue of life.

Yet, Psalm 149 says we are to “sing a new song.”

How? Can there be any new songs? Yes, indeed!

“His mercies never cease!” New day - new songs!

Prayer:  Father, make us aware of the unending mercies we receive every day. Fill our hearts with new songs of joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 149:1 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

We’ve all heard phrases like, “Wow, that company is really going places,” or “That person is going to the top of the ladder,” or “I wonder where they are going.” Everyone seems to be going some place to do something. But what matters most is where they are going and what they are going to do when they get there.
Christians have responded to Christ’s “come” and when we do we are commanded to “go!” with the specific responsibility to “make disciples.”

The Psalmist was very direct when he addressed this “come” and then “go.” He described it in these terms: “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
When we “go” we are to “sow.” God gave us the “seed,” which is His Word for a purpose: We are not to store it in sacks in a warehouse, but to plant it in the hearts of those who are still seeking Him. Our hearts may become heavy and tears may fill our eyes. But there is the assurance that our tears will be changed into songs of joy because His Word is true and will not return to Him void - without results. We are to sow the seed He gives us and allow Him the honor of the harvest - whatever that may be. Because it is His seed, we may never understand or know what the harvest will be. Though the work may be laborious and the results uncertain, the Lord will be with us wherever He leads us and will bless what we do for Him.

The assurance of God’s blessing is a word of encouragement that He offers us to be responsible “sowers of His seed.” We are not to sit idly by and wait to see the results. We are to go and sow and pray and leave the harvest to Him. And surely there will be a harvest if we are faithful “sowers.” He promises that we will return from the field singing songs of joy bringing His sheaves with us.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to follow Your command - Your orders - to be faithful “sowers” of the “seed” and trust You for the results. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

“The way things are in this world I’m certain that your God never laughs,” said a skeptic.
“Well, I’m not sure if He laughs or not. But I am sure of one thing: He certainly created me so that I can laugh,” said his friend with a smile.

Some people think that tears and trials, grunts and groans are the centerpieces of the Christian life. Truth be told, tears and trials, grunts and groans are more associated with sin than they are with salvation. And to follow that thought, God’s Word promises us that one day, “He will wipe away all tears” from the eyes of the believer – not the unsaved.

A physician once said that “he who laughs lasts. People who laugh actually live longer than those who don’t laugh. Few people realize that their health actually varies according to the amount of laughter” in their lives. Would it not be wonderful if each time we felt discouraged we could go to the pharmacy and find an over-the-counter bottle that contained a tablet to make us laugh?

Not only are laughter and health related, but laughter and holiness are related. When the Lord brought His exiles back to Jerusalem a Psalmist wrote, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”

If there are any people on this earth who have a reason to laugh and sing songs of joy it is the Christian. Our sins have been forgiven and we have been released from the fear and penalty of death. We have the promise of an eternal home with the Creator of the universe and His beloved Son who redeemed us. And we have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to guide, guard and give us a peace that passes all understanding.

What great reasons to laugh and sing songs of joy!

Prayer: It’s difficult to understand, Lord, why there are so many days we fail to laugh and rejoice. Bring us all some humor today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 126:2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The word glad in Scripture carries with it the idea of happiness and joyfulness, pleasure and freedom. In God’s Word, however, there is a source for gladness: the Lord. The Psalmist writes, “For You make me glad by Your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”

This source for our gladness does not come from anything we have accomplished or any ladder of success that we might have climbed. It does not come from wealth that we may have accumulated or records we have set. It does not come from any amount of power we have because of our achievements. This gladness that the Psalmist writes about comes from what God has done for us.

Another Psalmist wrote, “But may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love Your salvation repeatedly shout, ‘The Lord is great.’” And another Psalmist said, “Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence.”

We often set “goals” for ourselves that we think will bring a sense of well-being and fulfillment to us - the “if only” statements we make: “If only I can get a promotion I will be satisfied,” or “If only we had a larger home our family would be happy,” or “If only...If only...” and the list goes on.

But the “glad” that comes from God that can fill our hearts and lives comes as a result of what He has done for us: made possible our salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior. Because of Him we can be glad and sing for joy, we can know that “all things are working together” for our good and His glory.

Prayer: How thankful we are, Lord, that we can have hearts filled with gladness because of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 92:4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.

A deacon was asked by his pastor to meet a guest speaker at the local airport. He stood patiently waiting and looking at each traveler as they claimed their luggage and then left the airport. But he was not comfortable in approaching any of them and asking, “Are you the one who is scheduled to speak at the First Baptist Church?”

Finally, he noticed a gentleman who was wearing a dark blue suit, red tie and carrying a brief case. Ah, he thought, that’s our guest.

Approaching him he asked, “Pardon me, Sir, but are you the minister who is to speak at the First Baptist Church tomorrow?”

“No,” came the reply. “It’s my indigestion that makes me look like this.”

How sad it is that people associate gloom and doom with godliness and not happiness and gladness. If there is anything that should separate the born again from those who do not know Christ as Savior it is the sign of joy! We who have been released from the power of sin and the grip of Satan ought to always have a smile on our faces and thankfulness in our hearts.

“I might have been a minister myself,” confessed Oliver Wendell Holmes, “for all I know, if a certain clergyman had not looked and talked like an undertaker.”

God’s Word does not say, “Be careful not to smile. The world is in terrible shape. The end will soon be here.” Rather, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship Him with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”

Prayer:  Father, if we cannot find a reason to be filled with “joyful songs” please open our eyes to Your goodness! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 100:1-2 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

A professor of philosophy stood before his class and said, “The whole world is desperately searching for joy and happiness. But no one has been able to find its source. Psychologists cannot find it, physicians cannot find it, comedians cannot find it. It has eluded everyone. Some feel that they have been close to its source only to discover that they were on the wrong path. It is so very illusive and all were left disillusioned and disappointed.”

Even the word happiness is deceptive. It gives its self away. The root of the word is “hap” which means “chance.” Human happiness is dependent on the chances and changes in life. It is something which life may give and then suddenly take away.

A diagnosis of cancer, a crash in the stock market, a new management team at work - even a change in the weather can take away the passing sensation of joy and happiness.

But there is a sure, certain source of joy and happiness - or gladness as the Bible calls it - that is available to everyone who seeks it. It cannot be destroyed or disturbed; it provides a serenity that is immovable. It “covers” loss and grief, pain and sickness, darkness and death. No one or nothing can destroy it.

The writer of Psalm 97 said, “Lord, may Your people rejoice in You; and praise Your holy name.” God will give His everlasting joy and gladness to those who place their faith, hope and trust in Jesus Christ, His Son. His peace and presence are promised to His beloved.

Prayer: We thank You, Heavenly Father, for the joy that is ours today and every day through Your Son our Savior. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 97:12 Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

The word glad in Scripture carries with it the idea of happiness and joyfulness, pleasure and freedom. In God’s Word, however, there is a source for gladness: the Lord. The Psalmist writes, “For You make me glad by Your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”

This source for our gladness does not come from anything we have accomplished or any ladder of success that we might have climbed. It does not come from wealth that we may have accumulated or records we have set. It does not come from any amount of power we have because of our achievements. This gladness that the Psalmist writes about comes from what God has done for us.

Another Psalmist wrote, “But may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love Your salvation repeatedly shout, ‘The Lord is great.’” And another Psalmist said, “Let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence.”

We often set “goals” for ourselves that we think will bring a sense of well-being and fulfillment to us - the “if only” statements we make: “If only I can get a promotion I will be satisfied,” or “If only we had a larger home our family will be happy,” or “If only....” and the list goes on.

But the “glad” that comes from God that can fill our hearts and lives comes as a result of what He has done for us: made possible our salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior. Because of Him we can be glad and sing for joy, we can know that “all things are working together” for our good and His glory.

Prayer:  How thankful we are, Lord, that we can have hearts filled with gladness because of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 92:4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.