JOY

¹ On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
²     the Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
³ Glorious things are spoken of you,
O city of God.

⁴ Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon;
Philistia, too, and Tyre, with Cush—
“This one was born there,” they say.

⁵ And of Zion it shall be said,
“This one and that one were born in it,”
for the Most High himself will establish it.
⁶ The Lord records, as he registers the peoples,
“This one was born there.”

⁷ Singers and dancers alike say,
“All my springs are in you.”

In ancient times, the people of God longed to live in Zion, the holy city of God. They wanted to be known as those whose hometown was the city of their Lord and King. And when they were able to envision this, they were filled with joy.

We like to feel at home in the place where God’s name is spoken. We like to remember our identity as God’s children, too.

Prayer

God, my Father, I find joy in knowing that you claim me as one of your precious children. Help me to sing your praises in my surroundings, as we all feel at home in your family. Amen.