Psalm 30:4-5
Make music to the Lord, you his favored ones, and give thanks when you remember his holiness, for we spend a moment under his anger, but we enjoy a lifetime in his favor. In the evening, weeping comes to stay through the night, but in the morning, there is rejoicing!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Strengthen our faith to sing and make a joyful noise to you today. Lord, you give us new blessings daily like food, water, clean air, clothes, shoes, and homes. Each day, you provide us with all our needs, and for this, we need to rejoice. The depth of your love goes beyond our physical needs; you also gave your Son for us all. Because you are a holy God and we are sinful creatures, we cannot stand before you as sinners. We are unworthy guests who should never come before you; instead, we should face your anger. However, out of love for us, you sent Jesus to the cross. He went in our place and carried our sins and suffered our punishment. He suffered your anger for us; thus, we have an eternity of favor with you because of what he has done. For this reason, we should give you thanks.
Lord, when our lives come to a close, as a day comes to an end with the setting sun, we will begin our eternity with you. That final day will come upon us, those who have rejected you and your word; they will face an eternity of pain, sorrow, and crying. But, for believers—who you delivered through faith—our new day will begin with you in heaven, like the dawning of a new day. There will be a lot to rejoice and give thanks to because we will be with you in heaven. This is why we need to rejoice today because you have delivered us. Please help us to focus on the coming joys of our eternal life. Give us opportunities to share this good news with those who do not believe, so they, too, will be numbered with your saints. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
In all things, rejoice, whether good or bad. Thank God that soon you will be home in heaven.