Opening a Door

AM Psalm 46, 97 • PM Psalm 96, 100
Isa. 49:1-7 • Rev. 21:22-27 • Matt. 12:14-21

The Morning Reflection today is about relief and joy. I remember it even from the time I sat on a hard little chair in Sunday school and only knew that the verse had a lovely rhythm. Perhaps we don’t always dwell over a meaning as I did over this one but, instead, relax in the comfort of its meaning. Here is Psalm 100:

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know ye that the Lord he is God! It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture...Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise! Give thanks unto him and bless his name! For the Lord God is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Later, and I know for sure it was eighth grade, I needed and found psalm 121, not one of ours for today, but of the same confidence:

I lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help...my help cometh from the Lord...

I don’t need to tell anyone how hard life was at that age! Now here we are, after our Christmas journey and perhaps Psalm 96 is good to read again.

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations...

I love the idea of singing to the Lord a new song, especially if we have perhaps stayed on after Christmas with a grandchild or are considering a move. And, again, how important it is to read Psalm 46,

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble...

and the beautiful

...there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

Written by Rebecca Newth

...who is thinking of Sunday school and things that are new.