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,
Place a song of thanksgiving in our hearts and minds today as you remind us of the salvation you made possible through Jesus. During our time on earth, we struggle daily with our sins, not loving you above everything else and not loving those around us as we love ourselves. Our sins not only deserve your anger, but we deserve to be condemned for them. However, that punishment was removed instead, you restored us through Jesus’ forgiveness, and for all who believe in Jesus, you give us salvation and eternal life. Jesus came here to live the perfect life we could not live, then he went to the cross and suffered every bit of your anger. Through faith, we are given credit for Jesus’ holy life, and our suffering was endured by Christ—your anointed one. In faith, we have found your favor and enjoy the peace of forgiveness, the joy that awaits us, and our salvation. The devil, the world, and even our flesh will regularly come after us, but with your name on our lips, singing your praises, they become powerless. Lord, let us set our sights on that day when we will finally be home in heaven with you. Keep us in your word and strengthen us through your sacraments, that in faith, we will never let you go. So let us also share our song of thanksgiving with someone who does not know of Jesus’ love and forgiveness, so they, too, will spend a lifetime in your favor, waking to a new morning with rejoicing. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
“Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom his world rejoices,
Who from our mother’s arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love
And still is ours today.”
Martin Rinkart, CW 610 vs. 1