Joy

And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. – Romans 5.11

Mary and I have always worked with children. We still do. Though many of them are not great theological statements I do like a lot of the songs we sing with children. One of the most popular in every group we have worked with is this:

I have the joy, joy, joy joy

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart

Down in my heart

I have the joy, joy, joy joy

Down in my heart to stay.

There are a lot of hymns that talk about joy and the Christian life. I think it is because joy is so integral to Christian living.

I don't think thee can be any doubt that the Christian life is meant to be a joyful life. It is far to easy for us to get down in the mouth about the little troubles and disturbances that are part of life. But here we read about 'rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' There is no room for a joyless Christian.

Sure, we still have to deal with situations and circumstances that may knock us for a loop, but behind that there is the deep abiding joy that God is doing something and that one day this will all be over.

Let’s not allow ourselves to get down in the mouth about whatever is going on today. As James wrote, ‘count as all joy’ when we deal with our trials and temptations. We have eternal rest and peace – that should produce ‘joy unspeakable’ because ‘the half has never yet been told.

I have found His grace is all complete,

He supplieth every need;

While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,

I am free, yes, free indeed.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory;

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.

I have found the pleasure I once craved,

It is joy and peace within;

What a wondrous blessing, I am saved

From the awful gulf of sin.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory;

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.

I have found that hope so bright and clear,

Living in the realm of grace;

Oh, the Saviour’s presence is so near,

I can see His smiling face.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory;

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.

I have found the joy no tongue can tell,

How its waves of glory roll;

It is like a great o’erflowing well,

Springing up within my soul.

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Full of glory, full of glory;

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.*

*Written by Barney Warren, 1900

Is that joy unspeakable part of our lives today?