Leviticus 15, 16; Psalm 66

Read: Leviticus 15, 16; Psalm 66

Verse chosen for meditation: Psalm 66:1 ESV

1Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

Reflect

This may not be a Psalm of David. But it has almost all the elements of a Davidic Psalm. It even ends characteristically on a positive note.

The first thing to strike the reader about this Psalm is that it opens on a super high note, with an infectious, joyful exuberance that's confined not only to the psalmist and/or the Israelites, but the whole earth.

The narrative also changes after every few verses of this blithesome Psalm as the focus segues from the experiences of a people into that of a single person while joy remains the prevailing mood. 

In brief, this Psalm is not about a short burst of joy, which fizzles out by the end of a day, but a sustained joy, which seizes every opportunity to see the good that has been received and to reciprocate that goodness with unfeigned gratitude.

Relate

I wonder how many of us have experienced joy recently. If we did, how long did it last? If not, would a past event count, and be good enough a reason for us to be joyful? 

The parting of the Red Sea seems etched in the memories of the Israelites for life (v 6). Time and again, when it's called to mind, they would be reminded of what God had done for them. That remembrance alone would be enough for rejoicing. Do we perhaps, have an equivalent of such a memory?

The psalmist could have felt the same way like us. Reasoning with the mind that the event was a long while back and no longer serves as a matter of great interest and relevance. This is not inconceivable considering that we live mostly in the here and now. Furthermore, as it happened for the whole Israelite community, how more impersonal can it get? If that's the view we subscribe to, then partaking in any joyous celebration will only be possible when we're the witness of the momentous event ourself. And 'shouting for joy' will only be appropriate if we're the direct beneficiary of the goodwill. Otherwise, we can neither experience nor summon the supposed joy.

Taking the discussion further, is it insensitive on our part to invite the whole world to shout for joy when there's ongoing war in Ukraine, political unrest in Myanmar, continued injustice and violence, and sporadic climate as well as natural disasters in other parts of the world? Or could verses 1 - 8 refer to an envisioned restoration day for all of us?  Even then, how do we reconcile 'v 9' with the joyous proclamation expected of those who have witnessed the loss of lives, especially those of loved ones? In a word, how can there still be joy in all of this?

Turning now the spotlight on ourself, what if we have just come through a personal crisis or sickness, or in the name of 'being refined by fire', run out of road and been in the grip of despair, will it still be possible to forget all the pain we've been through, to the point that joy replaces the pain? 

So then, what is joy?

Joy is a feeling of unspeakable happiness that cannot be robbed. It stays in the memory forever.

Joy is sharing with another, whether in tears or laughter, while looking forward to that day. 

Joy is taking stock of the good happening around us, knowing that it doesn't always have to be about us. 

Joy is gratitude, deep gratitude, especially after a harrowing experience. 

Above all, joy is doing God's will. For joy comes after the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

So, shout for joy to God, all the earth!

Rest

Lord, help us remember the good you've done. Fill us with gratitude for all you've done. From the past to the present, let the tide of joy continue. Let nothing put a damper on it. Neither the trials of this life. Nor even the atrocities and calamities of this world. For joy comes in the morning. 

Naville Chia