When I think of the word joy, I picture myself on a hike, at the beach, or in the rolling corn fields of South Dakota. I find joy in being with friends and family while in some of my favorite places to hike, relax, or have a bon fire. I love exploring new places and finding places to rest and recover amid God’s creation. Creation reminds of God’s wisdom, love, and faithfulness in my life. Where do you find joy in your life?  

I remember multiple times going to various lookouts in the Black Hills of South Dakota to look out over the Needles. Its breath taking to think about how the needles came to be this grand formation of rocks sticking up in the middle of ponderosa pine forest. When I am in awe, I remember who the Lord is and what he does for my life! Even in the highest of highs, and lowest of lows we are called to find joy!

In this 3rd week of Advent, we are called to remember Joy. What does Joy mean? Joy has multiple different meaning to different people. Some would say joy is happiness, and others would say joy is the source of delight. One definition I have when I think of joy is

In Psalm 126, the Hebrew word for ring cry, shouts of praise, רנה, is used three times. In the beginning of the psalm, the shouts of joy and praise are amid experiencing God’s blessing of being let free! Remembering all the great things the Lord has done should bring us joy (Psalm 126:2-3). Then the psalmist continues in looking forward to what will or may come. Calling for the Lord to remind them of their captivity and evening amid sorrow and pain one is called to find joy (Psalm 126:5-6).

Psalm 126 reminds me of the song Titled “Joy” by Rend Collective. The beginning of the song is breaking out of freedom. In other words, out of captivity.

“We’re choosing celebration
Breaking into freedom
You’re the song
You’re the song
Of our hearts

We cast aside our shadows
Trust You with our sorrows
You’re the song
You’re the song
Of our hearts”

Then later in the song it transitions to how the Lord is constant and the song of one’s heart. The song of the heart always bring joy and is the joy of the writer’s heart.

“In the shadows
In the sorrows
In the desert
When the pain hits
You are constant
Ever-present
You’re the song of my heart.”

Does not matter what we are at, but we are called to praise the Lord and find joy!
The Joy of our lives is the Lord and we are called to shout with joyful praise to the Lord!

Where are you finding Joy amid a world of chaos? Where do you need to go or who do you need to be with to find joy, hope, and peace?