"Prayer for Joy"

The old man listened carefully,

To the preacher’s words that day,

His mind flashed back to long ago,

To what others had to say.

In a little country, white frame church,

Where he worshipped as a kid,

They traveled there by wagon,

‘Cause that’s just what they did.

His daddy was a cowhand,

And his old grandaddy, too,

And though they worked cows everyday,

On Sunday they all knew,

That they loaded up the family,

And hitched up that old team,

He remembered they went joyously,

It filled his church daydream.

The preacher he was listening to,

Was young and so uptight,

About so many little things,

That he clearly said weren’t right.

Old man shifted on the cushioned chair,

Grown grandkids there beside,

He went because he loved them,

But reluctant to confide,

That though he loved the music,

And the friendly atmosphere,

It made him feel old-fashioned,

‘Cause he always hoped to hear,

A whole lot more ‘bout Jesus,

And how he saved the lost,

The grace that makes you joyful,

No matter what the cost.

What he would call the Gospel,

Which really means good news,

Instead of some long laundry list,

Of what we shouldn’t choose.

When the preacher finally finished,

With what he felt was wrong,

He gave an invitation,

Saying here’s where you belong.

The old man prayed a silent prayer,

That somehow in this place,

The joy he felt so long ago,

And still showed on his face,

Would touch and fill that preacher,

And all the flock he led,

So that the Gospel message,

Would be all that he spread.

“…you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9, NIV)

The Good News of Jesus brings joy! Peter describes it as “inexpressible and glorious.” It is the foundation of all authentic human happiness and is unshakable despite severe suffering and trauma. People have gone down to martyrdom singing praises because of this joy. It is other-worldly, and is so supernaturally surreal that people who don’t have it are absolutely mystified by it. It is the laughter of the God who celebrates every prodigal who returns, the eternal relief of sins forgiven and the holy hilarity of eternal life. Don’t miss the joy.

Lord, give us inexpressible and glorious joy, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Kirstie Lambert, used by permission. Thanks, Kirstie, and God bless you.