Thrill: a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure. Perhaps countercultural, but let’s see where that word leads us today.

Your works thrill

You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. Psalm 92:4 NLT

The Psalms are hymns meant to be sung, this one focusing on gratitude and praise. For the Lord is faithful, and His love is steadfast. If we stop and look, we can see God’s amazing works on our behalf all around us—the morning sun bathing the Three Ridges in light, a phasmid walking stick climbing the window of our front door, the setting sun backlighting a red maple’s autumn leaves. This particular psalm encourages pauses and reflections like this, and praise for God’s favor. 

Old Testament scripture often uses the words favor and grace interchangeably. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, acceptance, goodwill, and preferential treatment. We can’t earn favor, but we can ask for grace. 

For yonder a glorious morn, day, evening. The thrill of the Lord’s works.

Your words thrill

Your promises are the source of my bubbling joy; the revelation of your Word thrills me like one who has discovered hidden treasure. Psalm 119:162 TPT

Yesterday, I was favored with the opportunity to read the Word in church, an honor that always thrills me. I practice in advance, to capture the musical sounds, phrasing and rhythms, to discover the meaning and uncover hidden treasures. Reading scripture aloud and communicating my reverence for God’s Word reminds me of my many years teaching—and God’s promises.

A thrilling source of joy and hope.

The thrill of hope

It’s now less than two months until Advent. I’ve already ordered a special Advent calendar for our granddaughter. Advent, the thrill of hope, which brings to mind an unforgettable incident that happened ten years ago.

The Wednesday before Christmas in 2015, my daughter Jessica and I sat in a booth across from Grandma eating lunch in the Bistro at the assisted care facility where Mother lived. While Jess and I splurged on tuna melts, the dining room filled with residents and holiday visitors like us. Mother munched on a hot dog with mustard, sipped her decaf and said, “It’s so good to see you.”

Suddenly there was a hush. An a cappella voice sang out: O Holy Night, The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.

The gospel singer, a middle-aged woman, stood facing a large round table of elderly residents in the center of the dining room. She wore uniform pants, shirt and a cafeteria id badge.

Long lay the world in sin and e’er pining, ‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

The thrill of hope poured out of the woman’s heart, soul, and hands. 

And the weary world rejoiced in His new Works, His Word, His Promise.

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Notes from Vanaprastha Podcasts on my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaroleDuff