Our Reason for Joy 欢喜快乐
Dexu Xia
Our Reason for Joy
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
When the school year began, fourteen-year-old C.J. would hop off the bus every afternoon and dance down his driveway. His mom recorded and shared videos of C.J.’s after-school boogie time. He danced because he enjoyed life and “making people happy” with every move. One day, two garbage collectors took time out of their busy work schedule to stomp, spin, and sway with the young boy who inspires others to dance with him. This trio demonstrates the power of sincere and infectious joy.
The writer of Psalm 149 describes the original source of enduring and unconditional joy—God. The psalmist encourages God’s people to join together and “sing to the Lord a new song” (v. 1). He invites Israel to “rejoice in their Maker” and “be glad in their King” (v. 2). He calls us to worship Him with dancing and music (vv. 1–3). Why? Because “the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory” (v. 4).
Our adoring Father created us and sustains the universe. He delights in us just because we’re His beloved children. He designed us, knows us, and invites us into a personal relationship with Him. What an honor! Our loving and living God is our reason for everlasting joy. We can rejoice in the gift of His constant presence and be grateful for every day our Maker has given us.
Why does knowing God delights in us encourage joy in all circumstances? How can you express your joy in the Lord throughout the day?
Thanks for loving us, delighting in us, and knowing us, God.
欢喜快乐
愿以色列因造他的主欢喜；愿锡安的民因他们的王快乐。—诗篇149篇2节
新的学年开始了，14岁的杰克每日下午搭校车回家，都会开心地跳下车，沿着他家的私人车道跳着热舞。他的母亲还拍下他放学后的热舞短片并和大家分享。杰克跳舞是因为他享受生活，希望自己的每个动作都能传递欢乐。有一天，社区里的两位清洁队员也忙里偷闲，和这个感动别人共舞的少年一起踏步、旋转和摇摆。这三个人所展现的，是真诚且动人的喜乐所带来的力量。
撰写诗篇149篇的诗人告诉我们，持久且完全的喜乐源自上帝。诗人鼓励上帝的百姓要一起“向耶和华唱新歌”（1节），邀请以色列人一同“因造他的主欢喜”，并且“因他们的王快乐”（2节）。诗人还呼吁我们一起以舞蹈和音乐敬拜祂（1-3节）。为什么呢？“因为耶和华喜爱祂的百姓，祂要用救恩当作谦卑人的妆饰”（4节）。深爱我们的天父创造了我们，并维持整个宇宙的运行。祂喜爱我们，只因我们是祂心爱的儿女。祂精心创造了我们、了解我们，也欢迎我们每个人都和祂建立亲密的关系。这是何等的殊荣啊！这位慈爱的永活上帝，就是我们能永远喜乐的原因。我们可以因祂永恒的同在而喜乐，并为了创造主赐给我们的每一天而感谢祂。
上帝，感谢祢爱我们，喜悦我们，并且了解我们。
为什么明白上帝喜悦我们，能激发我们在各种处境都能感到喜乐？你如何表达你在上帝里面得着的喜乐?