Some days are good; some days are bad. It’s just the way of life. Normally, that’s fine.

But occasionally the bad days get tiresome: they get badder and longer. For most of us, that’s still fine – stiff upper lip, keeping up appearances, and all that jazz.

But sometimes those bad days just simply do not take a hint, they stay far beyond what is acceptable, settling in and making themselves at home, getting in the way of our plan, simply outstaying their welcome. The lips begin to quiver, the appearances begin to shiver.

Perhaps a well-meaning friend, like a friend of Job, perhaps, such as I have been, comes along in such times and with a well-intentioned, but poorly executed word of encouragement and says, “Praise the Lord!”

For those who, as idolators and adulterers, are addicted and committed to muscle through tiresome days by our own strength and courage, such a Word is an impossible burden to bear. But …

… BUT, when we hear it as the conclusion of the gospel of God’s grace it is the Word by which we are strengthened and enCouraged in the midst of those days: because the Lord, my God who is Good and Mighty to Save, is with me, leading me like a shepherd even through the valley of dark days, and has demonstrated his powerful and good presence with us through his Son, Jesus Christ, let us Praise the Lord!

That is what prompts the Psalmist to worship and sing, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; even in the valley of the shadow of death, I find that he is with me to comfort and protect me!”

Come, then, you who are weary and heavy laden, come in and dwell in the house of God by the invitation of Jesus – find rest for your soul and a song for your mouth!

Order of Worship for 01.18.09