Earlier this week our fearless leader (some might refer to her as Siesta Mama), declared this week to be the week of rejoicing. Regardless of if we wanted to or not, we would “rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice!” (Anybody catch that tune with me? Grin.) I thought it was so appropriate because Sunday morning happened to be an all around joyful morning at church, for no particular reason, so I was kind of already in rejoicing mode, you know, if “rejoicing mode” is a thing.
Fast forward to this morning. Although I do love the peacefulness and calmness the mornings bring, I am not by nature a morning person. I tend to fall heavier on the “night owl” side of that pendulum. This morning, however, was one of those rare mornings that I popped right out of bed with a joy on me that can only come from God. I might even consider it a Friday morning miracle.
I would assume a big reason for my joyful spirit this morning was an overflow of last night, when I was able to attend a Night of Worship with All Sons & Daughters. I mentioned earlier this year that their CD was one of my favorite things, and to this day, it still is. In fact, I’ll bet it never grows old to me. I am but one that is so grateful for the way they use their gifts to lead people in worship, and for their simple pastoral hearts. So genuine, so anointed and so authentic. Many of their songs acknowledge how broken and in need of Christ we are, but then turn it to how good, holy, and perfect Jesus Christ is and the redemption He alone brings. Â If you’re looking for some new worship music, their CD is a must-have!
Right before we all sang “All the Poor and Powerless” which they wrote but you also might recognize off of Travis Cottrell’s live CD as well, they read Psalm 22 out of the Message.
I can honestly tell you that as many times as I’ve read and heard that Psalm, I don’t thing I’ve ever heard it out of this translation, and if I had, I certainly haven’t paid attention. It struck me with fresh eyes and fresh faith. I’m pasting it here in hopes that it pierces your heart, too.
As we enter into the weekend, let us rejoice and punctuate the weekend with Hallelujahs! What if we did that long before we got to church Sunday morning? Instead of depending on our worship leader to get us pumped up, we can depend on the Holy Spirit, His word and the rejoicing and Hallelujahs we’ve been exclaiming all weekend. Even if we never get it together, we worship Him! He alone is worthy. Amen? Amen.
22-24 “Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;
give glory, you sons of Jacob;
adore him, you daughters of Israel.
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way
when you were being kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.
25-26Â Here in this great gathering for worship
I have discovered this praise-life.
And I’ll do what I promised right here
in front of the God-worshipers.
Down-and-outers sit at God’s table
and eat their fill.
Everyone on the hunt for God
is here, praising him.
“Live it up, from head to toe.
Don’t ever quit!”
27-28Â From the four corners of the earth
people are coming to their senses,
are running back to God.
Long-lost families
are falling on their faces before him.
God has taken charge;
from now on he has the last word.
29Â All the power-mongers are before him
—worshiping!
All the poor and powerless, too
—worshiping!
Along with those who never got it together
—worshiping!
30-31Â Our children and their children
will get in on this
As the word is passed along
from parent to child.
Babies not yet conceived
will hear the good news—
that God does what he says.”
Psalm 22:22-31 (The Message)
Lindsee, they really do get you on your feet with your arms raised high don’t they. I love Wake Up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD5qUKMz6HY
Woo Hoo!!!!! Punctuate it with Hallelujahs! I love it!!!!
I love this! Can’t wait to see you in a couple weeks in Daytona!
You just don’t know how much I needed to hear that very thing at this very time!! But God….He knew!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Amen!!
AMEN and HALLELUJAH!!!!!!! Thank you Lindsee! That was just for ME!! 🙂 I am going to get my Worship on in a whole new Light this weekend!!!! God is so good! 🙂 HALLELUJAH!!!! I have to get up early for work tomorrow and can already feel the extra spring in my step!! Thank You!!
The Message is not a translation but a paraphrase. I enjoy reading it alongside my NASB in my side/by/side Bible. God is good. All the time.
Thank you Lindsee for this beautiful verse. I needed this to revive me this weekend. I wanted to share what I learned from it…I have been restored by my Blessed Redeemer, The Lord Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd gave his life for me. I see the cross and hear the cries of my dying Savior. This psalm is a picture of Calvary. I see the crucifixion portrayed here more clearly than in any other part of the OT. I fully anticipate to participate in a future gathering of all those around the world who serve the Lord, including you and Ms. Beth! What a groovy time that will be! IT IS DONE! The shout of a conqueror! As a practicing Hindu, I used to say DO. Now as a Christian, I can say DONE! His work has been done in my heart!
Love you ladies and all others at LPM, even for all my rants that I am truly sorry for! Forgive me please!
In His Blessed Name, AMEN
Such an inspiring blog! Thank you. What is the name of that CD? Loved it & The Message, Psalm 22. There is nothing like God’s Word heard in a new way! Okie Murray, Edisto Is. SC
Hi Okie! I would start with their “All Sons & Daughters Live” CD. The best!
Yea for this answer. I’m purchasing now from iTunes. !!
I want my life to be punctuated with Hallelujahs and I want to live the praise life. Thank you Lindsey for the reminders and the great Message version.
Psalms 105 Praise Ye the Lord (KJV)
thanks so mucho for this post today Lindsee!
thanks so mucho for translating Ps 22 so us older and wiser mamas can understand.
thanks so mucho bc i needed your postie today!
thanks so mucho that my hubbie and I got through 7 doctor
visits to find his true diagnosis for his health
thanks so mucho that hubbie and i agreed on the surgery
to be performed in Nov after we go to BG 95th birthday
thanks so mucho for your love for music with your church
band.
thanks much how much you love your grandparents since
I never ever met my grandparents since my parents
were 46 years older than little ole me.
have fun Lindsee
Amen, sister!
All the down and outers are here worshiping. I do love the word of God and the love of God sometimes. Its hard to rejoice all the time but I can say I’ve done it sometimes when it was hard and nothing can help you take the next heavy step than praise can.
Thanks again dear sister
I recently stumbled upon ‘All Sons and Daughters’ one night while ‘youtubing’ a few worship songs for Sunday morning. I totally agree with you and love the way in which this band brings the realities of life and how we often feel into their worship, but then rejoice in their loving and faithful God, knowing that He is their portion and cup. ‘I will sing to my God my King’ and ‘Great are you Lord’ are stunning. Our church is loving these on a Sunday morning. Thanks for your blog and posts. I do hope this band visit South African soon!!!!
“Punctuate it with Hallelujahs!” Love that phrase – never read it in this translation.
GOD always has a Powerful WORD when most needed… and we always seem to need it!!!
HALLELUJAH!!!!
Thank you Lindsee for our push to our feet!
“GOD does what He says”… Hallelujah!
Amen!!!
amen
This was awesome! Thanks for the lift
Thank you so much for Psalm 22 from The Message. It was a fresh Word for me. “He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” Hallelujah! What a God we have!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for sharing Psalm 22 from the Message Bible. I needed to hear it. Yes, let this be a week of rejoicing.
Thanks for sharing The Message translation of this scripture. I had not read it in that translation before, and it gave me a fresh perspective too. The part that spoke to me the most powerfully was: “He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.” Praise be,for this awesome truth! Amen & Amen!
Kelei Ligget. Iowa Park, Tx.NIV Is. 61:7
Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.”