Welcome to 5 Minute Meditations. During the Advent season, we'll be releasing a short

episode each Thursday meant to help you pause in the midst of your holiday hustle and focus

on the true reason we celebrate Christmas, Christ. So settle in, maybe close your eyes,

take a deep breath and listen as we read and meditate on scripture together. Joy, it's often

elusive, isn't it? It never seems to arrive as quickly or stay as long as we'd like it to.

And when we do have joy, we often fear that it will be taken from us at any moment.

Sometimes the holiday season even highlights the areas of our life that lack joy.

All the talk of things merry and bright makes us more aware of the places in us that are gloomy

and dark. Together, let's read Psalm 30 2-12, it consider how scripture speaks to our longing for joy.

Psalm 30 2-12. Lord my God, I cried to you for help and you healed me.

Psalm 30 2-12. Lord, you brought me up from Sheel. You spared me from among those going down to the pit.

Sing to the Lord you faithful ones and praise His holy name, for His anger lasts only a moment,

but His favor a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.

Psalm 30 2-12. Lord, when I was secure, I said, I will never be shaken. Lord, when you showed your

favor, you made me stand like a strong mountain. When you hid your face, I was terrified. Lord,

I called to you. I sought favor from my Lord. What gain is there in my death if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth? Lord, listen and be gracious to me. Lord,

be my helper. You turned my lament into dancing. You removed my sat cloth and closed me with

gladness so that I can sing to you and not be silent. Lord, my God, I will praise you forever.

Now let's take a moment to consider how these verses should impact our everyday lives.

Reflect on a time when God was your help or healing in a time of need.

Reflect on the truth that God is always present with His people, and you can depend on Him to be your

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