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One of my most vivid memories from childhood was going to Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, where we belted out, "I've Got the Joy Joy Joy Joy Down in My Heart" every Sunday. For some reason, this song always ignited competition between the girls and boys regarding who could sing the loudest. This test of the fittest vocal cords often became a shouting match rather than a worshipful moment focused on who could make the most noise. In the mix of this musical madness, the volume of eager-to-win voices drowned out the intention to cultivate great joy in the heart. The winning side of singers was quite happy each week. Still, I don't know if anyone ever considered the difference between joy and happiness. For us, at that tender age, the two were synonymous.


 It's been years since I even thought about that song. With kids grown, somehow, it has slipped to a corner of my mind that hasn't been visited in a long time. Still, through life's happenings, I now know joy does not equal happiness. I am guilty of often not giving it the shout-out it deserves for the ever-present, deep, abiding peace it provides within my spirit.


Joy is a constant friend that makes its presence known to me in the good and bad times life dishes out. The loss of a good friend, the ending of a marriage, an unexpected death, job loss, financial stress, and the everyday challenges and sometimes heartbreaks that accompany those who signed up alongside me for Club Parenting. With all the successes, distractors, and even the failures, happiness takes flight as soon as pleasantry is gone, but joy remains, a steadfast companion through it all.


In Hebrews chapter 12, Paul reminds us of the ultimate giver of joy, Jesus. He gave His life for us, enduring far worse "robbers of joy" than we could ever imagine in our daily lives. As He hung on that cross, beaten to the point of not even being recognisable surely in His humanity He may have wished to surrender to the agony and stop short of His calling. Yet,  He saw beyond His present situation the victory of unending joy He was offering those who would trust His work on the cross for the forgiveness of their sin. That day, happiness was nowhere to be found, but joy was there, just waiting to spring forth when he conquered death. We, too, can have joy amid pain and hope in the One who will carry us through the best and worst times. That is definitely something to sing about!


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by many witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 'fixing our eyes' on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him, who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:1-3



       Joy is not defined by our circumstances but rather by a mindset that trusts in Christ alone and His finished work on the cross that defies our circumstances.



I've Got the Joy | Hymnary.org. https://hymnary.org/text/i_have_the_joy_joy_joy_joy_down_in_my_h


Hebrews 12:1-3 - Bible Hub.


Photo credit: vecteezy.com

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