Choose JoySample

DAY 48 - JOYFUL GENERATIONS

Reflection: Psalm 145 is an acrostic tehillah - song of praise - written by David, whose name means 'beloved'. Tehillah is found throughout the history of the people of God and is a song of public worship that comes from the deep places of our heart, 'demanded' almost by the wonder and attributes of God.

So what does David find in God that makes it impossible not to cry out in praise, that requires the generations to joyfully sing and commend God to one another?

God is great with a greatness no one can fathom (vs 3), he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love (vs 8). God is good and compassionate (vs 9), trustworthy and faithful - upholding all who fall and the true satisfaction of every living thing (vs 16). The Lord is righteous in all his ways - near to those who call in truth, fulfilling the desires of those who fear him (vs 17-19).

No wonder David sees praise of our God being handed on from one generation to another. Not restrained and impoverished praise, but praise that includes meditation, celebration, proclamation, and yes, joyful singing. The young and the old showering each other with joyful declarations of the goodness and mercy of the living God.

Choose joy: One way to choose joy in our lives is to share it with the generations. Lead the young in joyful songs of praise and support the old to sing songs of praise. Make tehillah your daily lifestyle.