Cause for Rejoicing

Life: residence on this amazing blue-green planet, our interactions with the flora, the fauna, the fish, the folks .... this is a precious gift, an astonishing experience.

We have every cause for rejoicing and for giving thanks to our Creator.

The Spoken Version

Listen to an audio version of this reflection.

The Scripture

Psalm 30
New Revised Standard Version

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."

By your favor, O Lord, you had established me as a strong mountain; [then] you hid your face; I was dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I cried, and to the Lord I made supplication:

"What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!"

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Photo of a flower

Delighting in Life by Deborah Beach Giordano

an interpretation of Psalm 30

I am over the moon,
over the stars
madly
rapturously
swirling amid the galaxies
beyond words
or sighs
or songs;

not love:
adoration
limitless joy
gratitude
inexpressible

for you gave me life;

You brought me forth
and did not let my enemies
pick over my bones;

squalling, struggling,
naked,
alone
you lifted me up
brought my soul into the light,
not as those
gone down to the Pit.

You have clothed me with joy,
so that my soul may praise you
and not be silent.

Rejoice
all you who live

give thanks;

praise
the one
who gives life.

O Lord, my God,
I will give thanks
and praise
to you
forever.
 
❤

May the goodness of Life and delight in the Giver fill you with joy and send you forth, bearing blessings of compassion and mercy to everyone you meet.

God's grace and peace be with you,

Deborah  ✝

Suggested Spiritual Exercise

Give thanks and praise to the Beloved for the gift of your life.

Wm Blake, Teach these souls to fly