Joy!

When I was in junior high school from 1966 to 1969, the journalism class put out a monthly publication with the current school happenings and various articles written by journalism students. One month it included a section with comments from several students who had completed the following statement,

“Happiness is…”

I wish I had saved a copy of it, but didn’t, and I don’t remember any of the answers but I do remember the different types of comments. Some were funny, some were trying to be funny but weren’t, and a few were really sweet. I remember this giving me a glimpse into the different personalities of my classmates.

So, how would you fill in the blank?

“Happiness is…”

I know completing that statement might be difficult for some. I think it’s mostly because happiness is often circumstantial and is likely determined by what’s currently going on in your life. It can be difficult to be happy when life isn’t going well, when life is hard, and when tears are many.

But I do believe there’s a joy that transcends our circumstances. It’s a joy that remains in and through the difficult times in life. It’s a godly joy, and it comes from knowing the Lord and from looking to Him in all of life’s circumstances; both good and bad.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

The joy of the Lord is actually more than a belief; it’s my experience. Joy in just knowing the Lord. Joy in the good times. Joy in the bad times. There have been many times in my life where God has given me peace in the middle of the storm, and joy in spite of my circumstances. Times when I trusted in Him no matter what, and rejoiced in Him no matter what.

Because,

The Bible tells us, regardless of our present circumstances, that we are to rejoice in the Lord. When we look to Him and praise Him in worship, our hearts are filled with His joy.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

Even when life is difficult.

So today, if you find yourself feeling down, upset, lonely, or sad, it’s my prayer that God will surround you with His presence and fill you with joy, peace, and hope in Him.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Here are the first two verses and the chorus to a sweet old children’s song (author unknown) about the joy of the Lord. Perhaps you remember it from long ago. May it bless you as you read (and sing) along today.

Title: I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy!

Verse 1:

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

Where?

Down in my heart!

Where?

Down in my heart!

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,

Down in my heart to stay!

Chorus:

And I’m so happy, so very happy,

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart

Down in my heart.

And I’m so happy, so very happy,

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

Verse 2:

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart.

Where?

Down in my heart!

Where?

Down in my heart!

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart.

Where?

Down in my heart to stay.

Chorus:

And I’m so happy, so very happy

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

Down in my heart.

And I’m so happy, so very happy

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.