On Our Way Rejoicing (ELW 537)
Devotion
1On our way rejoicing
gladly let us go.
Christ our Lord has conquered;
vanquished is the foe.
Christ without, our safety;
Christ within, our joy;
who, if we be faithful,
can our hope destroy?
Refrain
On our way rejoicing;
as we forward move,
hearken to our praises,
O blest God of love!
2Unto God the Father
joyful songs we sing;
unto God the Savior
thankful hearts we bring;
unto God the Spirit
bow we and adore,
on our way rejoicing
now and evermore. Refrain
Text: John S. B. Monsell, 1811-1875, alt.
The first strange thing I noticed was muddy footprints in our hallway. My heart thumping, I realized the burglars had escaped through the shattered bedroom window as they heard the children and me entering through the garage. Missing items; a 6-year-old crying, "They took my piggy bank!" My mind whirled with the pain of the moment, the violation, the worry that they might come back.
That night I turned to the Bible for our devotion and was astounded by the words in front of me. "I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). Today's hymn echoes the promise: "Christ our Lord has conquered: vanquished is the foe."
Prayer
Dear Lord, you constantly show your presence, comforting me, vanquishing all fear. Your immense love, not just for me, but for all of us who search for you, carries me through each day. I love you back, certain you will never let me go. Amen.