Psalm 126:1 (0) A song of ascents:
(1) When Adonai restored Tziyon’s fortunes,
we thought we were dreaming.
2 Our mouths were full of laughter,
and our tongues shouted for joy.
Among the nations it was said,
“Adonai has done great things for them!”
3 Adonai did do great things with us;
and we are overjoyed.
4 Return our people from exile, Adonai,
as streams fill vadis in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with cries of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping
as he carries his sack of seed
will come home with cries of joy
as he carries his sheaves of grain. (Complete Jewish Bible).
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It was 30 years ago, disguised as "yesterday." The occasion was a funeral in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, for a mother who died far too young. Her 20-something daughter sang at her funeral. Powerful emotions were swirling, even before she approached the casket. Then, in, with and under her last note, Lynn patted the casket, adding in almost a shout, "I did it! Yippee!" I heard her faith chord of relief coupled with joy--joy of certainty, of knowing she would see her mother again.
There is a huge difference between happy and joyful laughter. Happiness is simply a moment--a joke, a thought, a smile. Joy is much deeper, longer-lasting, foundational. Joy springs from knowing and understanding God's truth, from having peace that passes all human understanding. It arises from a firm hope in the future. "If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied" (1 Corinthians 15:19). No future hope equals no present joy. Can I get a "Yippee!"?
Fill our mouths with joy-ful laughs, most Holy Spirit, so we can truly laugh—anytime, anywhere, no matter what seems to be the earthly reality smacking us in the face. Neither life nor death, nor anything else in all creation can separate us from your love in Christ, Gracious God. Take that, O death, and all your "evil ways"! Yippee!
Keith Muschinske, '89
Chaplain, USAF, Retired, Eagle River, Alaska
Psalm 126:1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."
3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
5 May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. (New Revised Standard Version).
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