joy

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

- Philippians 4:4-5

This is the season of joy!

I bet that you think I am going to put in a song reference . . .  you win!

But wait, there is more!

This time of year the first “joy” song that comes to mind is Joy to the World.

But I want you to go a little deeper this morning.

Joy, you see, is not just an emotion.

Joy is deep rooted.

Joy can be something as simple as a light fluffy snowfall with huge flakes, the light in a child’s face when they discover something new, the soft and gentle purr of a kitten in your lap.

Joy can be found in the most dire situation, just look at the apostle Paul, who encouraged his followers to rejoice, even while he was being beaten and tortured and in prison.

True joy, is not just an emotion, but a state of well-being.

1.    Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

2.    All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3.    Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

4.    Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.

For every bit of trouble or anger in your life, I challenge you to find something in that event that brings joy.

Have a blessed day!