Today's writing, "JOYFUL, JOYFUL" helps us to focus on the lyrics of a song and apply it to our lives. It talks about how we can find joy no matter our circumstances. Our God is so amazing and blesses us daily, even when we are struggling. We can praise God with a joy-filled heart every day!
May your week be filled with joy and blessings,
Jan and Corinne
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Today's Devotional:
JOYFUL, JOYFUL
by
Jan Andersen
Sometimes it is hard to be joyful. Sin and sadness abound in our world. Thieves and murderers run rampant and seem to get away with their dark deeds. Even we, ourselves, cannot seem to stop our own sinful thoughts and actions. Clouds of darkness and doubt descend upon us when we are vulnerable. But our God is a mighty God who can lift those feelings of despair and replace them with an internal joy, placing our feet upon the mountains even when we feel stuck in the valleys. We may be sad on the outside as we struggle through the worries of this world, but inside we can be filled with joy, knowing God is always with us to help us through and has a glorious home in heaven for us.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I love the song, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” The first verse illustrates the above thoughts beautifully:
"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!"
So our hearts are like flowers blooming in the sun, reaching to the heavens in joyful praise, because God is melting away our sorrow and giving us heavenly joy. What a beautiful picture! Then the song goes on to describe how all of God’s creation shouts for joy:
"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."
So everything God created invites us to be joyful. Then the lyrics ask God to teach us to love one another like He loves and blesses us, all of which brings us joy:
"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."
Then the final verse invites us to sing our praises to God, even in the midst of strife, with a joy that helps us focus on God in heaven!
"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."
Dearest God of glory, Lord of love, we joyfully praise and adore you for your forgiveness and all your blessings you shower upon us daily, in spite of what we may encounter and endure here on earth. Help us continue to focus on our inner joy and to love one another as we reflect You to the world in which we live, and bring us home to You in heaven in the end! In the name of your Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that we might live with You forever! Amen.
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Song:
JOYFUL, JOYFUL
Casting Crowns
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Prayers are lifted up daily for
you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff
of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers:
Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Collette Phillips, Cathy Friberg, and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors:
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns
Glenna Williamson, Shelly Keith, Amie Spruiell,
Lisabeth Lipp, and Nandita Bhatnagar
Thank you, Jan! I can't remember the last time I sang the entire song. Or if I ever did before. I did just now!
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