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Joy in Worship

Read: Psalm 30

SOAP: Psalm 30:11–12

Then you turned my lament into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and covered me with joy. So now my heart will sing to you and not be silent; O LORD my God, I will always give thanks to you.

When was the last time you allowed yourself to feel truly joyful? Imagine the last time you closed your eyes, and hands lifted toward the heavens, a beautiful smile on your face, and your heart full of laughter. Your heart felt full of wonder and delight, and your feet couldn’t help dancing, just a little bit. 

What if you were to permit yourself to come before God like that today? For just ten minutes, let the burdens and heaviness of the year fall at the foot of the cross and joyfully worship God. Laugh, sing, dance, smile—let yourself become a child again in the presence of your Father. Trust that He welcomes your praise and has given you the gift of joy so you can experience it fully and deeply. Not only that, God wants to exchange your sadness for joy and your silence for singing! 

Put on your favorite upbeat worship or Christmas music and enjoy this moment with God, worshipping Him for all that He is, all that He has given you, and all that He promises to do in the future. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, and God is not done giving His children good gifts. Take a moment away from the busyness and worship God, experiencing the joy that comes from being fully in His presence. 

Prayer

God, You alone are worthy of our praise. Thank You for the glorious exchange of my mourning for joy, my silence for singing. Today I place my burdens in Your capable hands and willingly exchange them for the joy You promise. I will give You thanks forever and ever. Amen.