We Can Sing In The Sonshine

“We Can Sing in the Sonshine”

May 24, 2009

“When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”

Psalm 126

“Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

Psalm 8:20-21

Last week I had the blessing to go camping with my grandson, Nate. Nate is almost six and loves camping, grandpa, and kittens. So we camped down by Castle Crags Creek near John. John, it just so happens, has kittens at his house. You can imagine what a good time Nate had with those 5 little kittens. He would put them in a bag and carry them to our tent and play with them for awhile and then bring them back to John’s for a bit – then do it all over. His giggling and laughter brought joy to my heart. John and I were cheered just watching and listening to him. It blessed me to see my greatly loved grandson blessed.

Do you think it may be that way with God? Could it be that the Father loves us so much that He delights in our laughter? I think so. As a grandpa, and as a father, I have had to be stern and strict. I’ve had to administer corrective action in the form of a spanking or scolding or separation – like time out. My kids and grandkids know that there is a line they better not cross – or they will regret it in some painful way. Do they fear me? Are they afraid of me? No – not one of them are afraid of me. But they respect me. They are aware of that side of gramps. But they seldom see that side anymore – they have learned to obey and follow my instructions – so we can sing in the sunshine and laugh everyday.

I think it is that way with our heavenly Father. He loves to hear our laughter and see us filled with joy. He does everything He can to bring us to this state. He not only died for us and took our punishment on Himself, He sent us the Holy Spirit to fill us and comfort us and lead us. I wrote a song a couple of weeks ago, “Called We Can Sing in the Sonshine” (sung to the tune of “We can Sing in the Sunshine”). It has some of the reasons we sing and laugh and dance for joy.

The first reason is there IS a God above us. The creator of all this beauty around us is here. He lives! The prophet asks:

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28

There is a God above us. David says,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4a

There is a God above us. Paul writes:

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20

There is a God above us. Some people refuse to see Him. They choose to believe the truth is a lie and a lie is the truth. But it is plain. God made it clear. But rebellion separates us from God. Wickedness separates from God. It is plain to all who would see. There is a God above us – and that is cause for rejoicing.

The second verse of my song goes: “He’ll sing to you each mornin’. He’ll shield you at night. And Darlin’ when you’re frightened, In His arms He’ll hold you tight.”