Read
A Song of Celebration
14Everyone in Jerusalem and Judah,
celebrate and shout
with all your heart!
15Zion, your punishment is over.
The Lord has forced your enemies
to turn and retreat.
Your Lord is King of Israel
and stands at your side;
you don't have to worry
about any more troubles.
16Jerusalem, the time is coming,
when it will be said to you:
“Don't be discouraged
or grow weak from fear!
17The Lord your God
wins victory after victory
and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings
because of you,
and he will refresh your life
with his love.”
The Lord's Promise
18The Lord has promised:
Your sorrow has ended,
and you can celebrate.
19I will punish those
who mistreat you.
I will bring together the lame
and the outcasts,
then they will be praised,
instead of despised,
in every country on earth.
20I will lead you home,
and with your own eyes
you will see me bless you
with all you once owned.
Then you will be famous
everywhere on this earth.
I, the Lord, have spoken!
Reflect
Celebrate! Shout unto the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously! There is somebody by your side. Not just any old person, but the Lord, the King of Israel. The one who conquered death and hell is standing by your side. God will protect you from the fiery darts of the evil one. There is no need for you to worry, turn your eyes upon God, God’s got this. There is no need to be weak from fear; you are safe in your Father’s hand. There is no need to be discouraged. For the Lord your God, the one standing by your side, wins victory after victory.
The one by your side is also your creator, who looks at you with love in his eyes. God celebrates your life, your love, your work. If you quiet your soul you can hear him singing over you. Allow God’s love for you to refresh your life today. If you are feeling lame and outcast today, know that the day is coming when you will be praised instead of despised. Know that God does not despise you, but loves you deeply.
God is faithful to his promises. The day will come when the lame and outcasts will be brought together and instead of being despised they will praise the Lord. The day is coming when all sorrow (including your sorrow) will be replaced with celebrating. The day is coming when God will lead you home.
Trust in the word of the Lord! Celebrate and shout with all your heart for the Lord your God the almighty reigns. You are loved by the Lord, God creator of heaven and earth, the King of Israel!
Respond
Lord Jesus, today we celebrate that you have triumphed gloriously. Thank you that you never leave us or forsake us. Creator of heaven and earth, King of Israel we humbly bow down before you and worship you. Amen.
James Bruyn
Dr. James Bruyn is a bi-vocational visionary leader, writer and speaker who enjoys helping individuals integrate their faith in God with their daily life. James is passionate about connecting the rich promises of our loving Heavenly Father that we find in the Bible, with the joys and challenges of living out our faith in the workplace. James leads a ministry to Christians in the marketplace in Calgary, provides leadership coaching, and consults for the rail industry. Publications: God With Us At Work; Gifted To Do Our Work (Word Alive Press)