"Joy"

Lord, give us back the joy we’ve lost,

To storms of life, so tempest-tossed,

To broken hearts and grief’s high cost,

Help us rejoice again.

Remembering salvation’s peace,

And all You’ve done to give release,

To make the devil’s volume cease,

Because You are our friend.

Joy pours from Your presence here,

And when we feel that You are near,

You conquer worry, every fear,

And fill our hearts with praise.

We lift our hearts and hands to You,

All men will lie but You are true,

And joy is what and how we do,

When we Your banner raise.

Rejoice, again, we say rejoice,

Being thankful is our choice,

Words of worship gladly voice,

Your joy is still our strength.

We celebrate amazing grace,

And will until we run this race,

Ending with the Savior’s face,

Love’s width and depth and length.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NAS)

The joy of the Lord is our strength, according to Nehemiah. Jesus spoke of joy that could not be stolen. Paul encouraged the Christians in Thessalonica to give thanks in everything and the Philippian Christians to rejoice always. This counsel holds, despite the challenges of trouble and heartbreak. The grace of God makes is possible to live a joyful life and experience consistent gladness of heart. Joy is the Spirit’s fruit.

Lord, help us rejoice, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mikel Donahue, used by permission. Thanks, Mikel, and God bless you.