“You give him blessings forever; you cheer him with joy in your presence. For the king relies on the Lord; through the faithful love of the Most High he is not shaken.” Psalm 21:6,7 Christian Standard Bible
“For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.” Psalm 21:6,7 NKJV
God of cheer,
The worship chorus from Sunday (yesterday) really made me smile Lord. Challenging us to cheer up!
Cheer up, ye saints of God.
There’s nothing to worry about.
Nothing to make you feel afraid,
Nothing to make you doubt.
Remember, Jesus never fails,
So why not trust Him and shout,
You’ll be sorry you worried at all tomorrow morning!
Who loves a miserable Christian? Psalm 21 was written by King David a man who shouldered much responsibility for religious life, civil life, foreign relations and sometimes war! He also had many wives and, I will say no more in case it is politically incorrect. The Psalm tells us he was cheered by joy in your presence. Some versions use exceedingly glad in place of cheer. Cheer can be a shout of joy, praise or encouragement or to give comfort, optimism or support to.
Because we can know Your presence with us we can receive Your cheer. I like to think of you cheering me on in the dark times and shouting encouragement when I get something right. Thank You that none of us is overlooked or less in Your eyes. You do not show favouritism (Romans 2:11).. We rely on You just as much as David did. We cannot always be cheerful and on top of the world. Life has its disappointments and challenges. Help us not be shaken by them and be able to receive and hear Your cheer.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of cheer,
We pray that those we love and know will know You as the God who gives good cheer this week. That they will find much to smile about and be encouraged by. Lift them to see Your presence even in the tough times. Carry those who are sick and touch them with Your healing. Draw those we are worried about into Your care. Bless our churches, inisters and all those who love ansd serve the Lord, where ever they are.
We pray for all those who have mental health problems and cannot hear Your cheer or feel cheerful. We pray You will be the lifter of their heads so they can find rest and light and hope in You and at some time soon Your cheer too. We pray for those who live along side them. Grant them patience and to know what to say and when to listen.
We pray for the NHS which deals with mental health and pray the right people will be called to work and serve there. We pray You will grant then insight in how to best help and discernment to know how to go about it. For those going through a challenging period in their life we pray You will be there strength and stay and gently cheer them through it.
We pray for peace in Ukraine and help for the people affected by the fires in Hawaii.
Thank You for the times You have cheered us and made us smile again.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 15th August 2023
Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee!
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are thine,
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love joins man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
Lyric: Henry Van Dyke