Across the Pastor’s Desk by Sean Forde

 

From my new book, “A Hop, Skip, and Jump through the Psalms,” here’s an excerpt from Psalm 33:4-5. 4:

“‘For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice.’

“The psalmist begins this psalm with a joyful song, and wants us to begin each day with joy in our hearts and a song upon our lips. Why? Perhaps in recognition of the truth in Psalm 33: 4 that the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Living into this truth is what brings joy to the righteous. Our joy is a result or byproduct of the word of God taking hold in our lives and of being in relationship with him. Isn’t this great news, we sing because of the joy found in knowing the Lord and being in his presence.

“A good acronym for JOY is to think of J — Jesus first, then O — Others second and then Y — Yourself.

“What is really interesting is what gives God joy! Psalm 33:5 says, ‘5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; that’s what brings him joy — when righteousness and justice are found in us; in our lives.’

“The Lord rejoices when we are found to be righteous and just people. When we practice honesty, by thinking, doing, and saying things that are pleasing to the Lord then he rejoices in you. He delights in our righteous and just acts. So what does this look like?

“We act justly when we stand up for those being picked on, the righteous give voice to the voiceless and we bring hope to the hopeless.

“As we participate in causes that promote fairness, diversity, equality, inclusion and justice, he then delights in us. Wow! This is a real twist from a one-sided relationship in which we are always the recipient. The psalmist lets us know that the Lord is also a recipient — that we bring him joy in our acts of righteousness and justice.”

Sean Forde is a pastor at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.