SONGS – Joy of the Lord
JOY
I wrote this on New Year’s Day. I sat down in the shadow of our Christmas tree, thinking of and praying for two friends from church. One was going through a very difficult relationship, yet every time I talked with her, she had words of hope, peace and joy. She was trusting in God’s faithfulness to sustain her, even in the midst of a dreadful situation. The other friend was coping with a medical diagnosis that could easily have defeated her. There again, when I spoke with her, or read her treatment journal, she was filled with joy. She was smiling, laughing, living boldly for God. She could have curled up in bed, unplugged the world around her, and covered up in despair and worry. But, she didn’t.
Neither of them let their circumstances rob the joy and peace they have in the Lord. I so admire them for that. How I pray to be like that when faced with challenges. You probably know someone like this. My Aunt describes a friend of hers as a “joy-filled Christian.” When I met her, I could tell immediately what she was talking about, before I ever got a chance to have a conversation with this friend. Her joy radiates from her – much the way I believe it radiates from Jesus.
I wanted to capture that feeling in a song – having a joy that can’t be explained by this world.
Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not grieve, for the JOY OF THE LORD is your strength.” (NIV)
1 Chronicles 16:27 says, “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.” (NIV)
God’s word tells us that Jesus lives in us, so we are His dwelling place – therefore, there is strength and joy within each of us. I read a great book, called “I’ll Have What She’s Having,” by Bobbie Houston of Hillsong Church. She talks about having a characteristic that gets you noticed (in a good way) – something you “give off” that attracts people to you. I pray that the joy I have comes through boldly and clearly – so everyone who sees me, knows why I’m so happy.
It’s all because the Joy of the Lord.
