Got Joy?

This is the "Joy to the World" time of year but not everyone feels the joy all of the time. Even though we get all festive sometimes we have stuff that happens during this season that dampens our happiness. Do you know the children's chorus, "If you're happy and you know it say, "Amen?'" Sometimes I say, "Ummennn" without gusto.

I keep a list of “joy” verses handy because, let’s face it, I’m not always happy. The Declaration of Independence says we have the right to pursue happiness. I guess that means happiness is not always a given. So I pursue happiness or the joy of the Lord. When I’m down I go to the list. I keep this list on my bedside table so I can meditate on these thoughts from God’s Word as needed:

Ps. 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in You rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them: let them also that love Your name be joyful in You.

Ps. 16:11 You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is the fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Ps. 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation.

Ps. 40:16 Let all that seek You rejoice and be glad in You: let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”

Is. 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robes of righteousness.

Jn. 15:11 These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.

Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…

Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, “Rejoice.”

1 Thes. 5:16 Rejoice always.

When I’m not happy I say these verses over and over until I've got heavenly Joy. I don’t chant them, well; maybe it is a chant or cheer. Sometimes my pursuit of happiness takes longer than other times but the joy of the Lord always comes through. These are my “go to” verses when the world’s got me down. I can’t help but come away from the “joy” verses with a renewed happiness.

Joy to the world the Lord has come.

Let earth receive her King. 

Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing.

Got joy?

Got it?

Get it.

Good!