All Joy Stems From God
Today’s Verse:
Psalm 126:3 ESV
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
In the Lutheran tradition, we are lovingly reminded that our joy doesn’t come from us but from the compassionate grace of God. Psalm 126 beautifully reflects the journey of a people who have experienced the Lord’s tender deliverance—once held captive, now embraced by freedom; once filled with tears, now overflowing with laughter. It is a heartfelt song of restoration, a powerful testament to how God can transform our deepest sorrows into profound joy and gladness.
Reflect on your own life for a moment. The Lord has done great things for us—not just in ancient history, but here and now. Through the cross, Christ has redeemed us from sin and death. Through His Word and Sacraments, He sustains us daily. Even in small mercies—a kind word, a sunrise, a moment of peace—we see His goodness at work.
We cling to this truth: our joy isn’t earned but given. It’s a gift of grace poured out by a God who loves us beyond measure. So today, let your heart echo the psalmist’s cry. Look at what God has done—forgiveness, life, salvation—and let that fill you with joy.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, You have done great things for us in Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for rescuing us and filling our lives with Your joy. Help us see Your hand at work and share that gladness with others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above is licensed through Unsplash+