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A few decades ago, worship choruses were popular. Some were short and peppy with nifty rhythms you clapped. One of my favorites began “O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth.” Another declared “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The songs expressed the joy of worshipping God.
The Songs of Ascents found in the book of Psalms must have been similar. They were used as people entered Jerusalem and the temple. Many are joyful. I’m sure much of their beauty is lost in translation. But listen to Psalms 126:1-6:
When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
(NIV 1984)
I especially like the imagery in this psalm of God turning weeping into songs of joy. Whether you are weeping or rejoicing, worship the Lord God today.