‘Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.’ [vs. 4-5]

this is a very light and hopeful psalm [and well you hope it should be as it was used for the dedication of the temple] and this line catches a glimpse of the heart of God which so many of us need to be reminded of so often…

especially those who are going through tough times, or those who view God as a principal with a big stick just waiting for you to step out of line, or the Greek gods version of God sitting in the clouds with bolts of lightning waiting to unleash justice on you, and those who seem caught in ongoing, cyclical, addictive sin patterns…

‘his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime’ – God is Love! He is a lot of other stuff but it is Love that defines Him, or comes closest to defining Him to us tiny little [in comparison] creatures who can never hope to wrap our silly little minds around the hugeness and complexity of this God who chooses to call Himself our Father…

‘his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime’ – yup, the words pretty much speak for themselves but i figured it was good to hear them again.

‘weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning’ – Jesus hanging on the cross… Friday looks pretty bleak. the crowds are scattered. the disciples confused. hope seemingly gone.

and yet Sunday is coming. the resurrection follows and completely trounces the crucifixion [but needed the crucifixion to happen to be able to do so]. the war is won… although battles continue to be fought until that victory is properly and finally claimed…

‘You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.’ [vs. 11-12]

reminds me of that powerful worship song by Ron Kenoly of all people which has such a vibey beat:

He’s turned my mourning
Into dancing again
He’s lifted my sorrows
I can’t stay silent
I must sing
For His joy has come

Where there once
Was only hurt
He gave His healing hand
Where there once
Was only pain
He brought comfort
Like a friend
I feel the sweetness
Of His love
Piercing my darkness
I see the bright
And morning sun
As it ushers in
His joyful gladness

You’ve turned my mourning
Into dancing again
You’ve lifted my sorrows
And I can’t stay silent
I must sing
For Your joy has come