Joy In The Morning

Psalm 51:12 – Restore to me again the joy of your salvation. (NLT)

For years, we have had robins in our neighbourhood. We love to hear them sing first thing in the morning. In northern Alberta, that starts about 4:00 a.m. when dawn is breaking. They are so happy a new day has begun. I see them as praising the Lord with their song.

Last spring, blue jays moved into our neighbourhood and chased the robins away. How we missed their cheerful singing! Instead we heard the blue jays squawking during the day. I often wondered where the robins had gone. Did they have to adjust to new circumstances — maybe a new tree, or new predators like cats or barking dogs?

This year, though, the robins have returned and are singing to their hearts' content. They are perched on the highest tree, letting the world know they are alive and well. It seems their song is a little louder, a little clearer, a little stronger than previous years.

In our lives, there are times when we are singing and praising God, and everyone knows it. We are on the treetop rejoicing in God's love and presence and acceptance. Then there are the seasons of adjusting to new circumstances, and our songs are silenced for a while. Eventually, though, our songs will return, and we will be praising God again. Likely our song will be a little louder, a little clearer, a little more confident, because it is God who gives us the song.

Nehemiah 8:10 – Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! (NLT)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to praise You. During the adjusting times in our lives, help us to trust You, knowing that Your joy will return to us. Thank You for Your joy. Amen.