Returning from a pastoral visit, my heart felt weary, my soul heavy. Turning into our driveway though, I saw my 6 year old in his bright yellow batman pyjamas hovering at the front door waiting for me, a big smile on his face. Oh the joy! The sight was pure joy and balm to the soul.
It made me think of the Scripture “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). That evening I had caught just a glimpse of what joy does. The healing side to it. How much more then does the joy of the Lord give us strength. Because of its supernatural origin, the joy of the Lord—our gladness of heart—is present even through the trials of life. We abide in Christ and we have access to a joy that means in the hard times we can sing, in the trials we can praise. Our spirit stirs us, joy arises and we are strengthened.
My song will rise, my song will rise to You
Though my heart may fail
My song will rise, my song will rise to You
While there’s breath in my lungs
I will praise You, Lord
I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
When the waters rise
I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You
While there’s hope in my heart
I will praise You, Lord
In the darkness I’ll dance
In the shadows I’ll sing
The joy of the Lord is my strength
Blue Skies & Lollipops 