Musings on God’s Word

As we begin a new year I am inclined to look at the world around us and wonder just what the future holds. We see wars, rumors of wars, humans mistreating other humans plus a myriad of additional immoral and illogical behavior. 

It got me thinking about some of the songs and choruses we sang in years gone by, particularly in Sunday School.

One goes like this.

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy

Verse 1
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

The question could be WHY? I believe it takes Jesus in our hearts to give us that Joy?

Joy in spite of the aches, pains and other problems that attach us all. Joy in the fact we have our precious Lord and Savior in and around us continually.

As I thought of that chorus it reminded me of some of the scripture verses referencing Joy!

Even though there are trials and tribulations, as well as loss of loved ones here on earth, we are promised a time of joy.

One of the things that really makes me happy is to see the smiles on peoples faces at hymn sings, the joy of fellowshipping together.

Hugs and handshakes that follow our time together in worship services, communion services and of course, again the hymn sings.

God has provided so much to be thankful for and to be joyful about in spite of the ups and downs of life. I hope never to see a Christian without a happy face, if not a smile and pleasant greeting whenever we meet.

We know our lives as Christians will have some difficult moments but the “view down the road’ will more than make up for those difficulties.

My favorite verses

These are the signs of a joyful Christian and as the saying goes.

“A picture is worth a thousand words”

Let’s be that picture that draws men to seek and know more about Jesus.

Our demeanor and “Joy of Life” will do more to bring people to Christ than all the fancy words we can speak.

One more of the Sunday School Choruses goes like this

Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy

Joy! Joy! Joy! with joy my heart is ringing;
Joy! Joy! Joy! His love to me is known:
My sins are all forgiven,
I'm on my way to heaven,
My heart is bubbling over with His 
Joy! Joy! Joy!

May God’s richest blessings rest upon you all as you enter the year 2026 and we move closer to the Lord’s return.