Read Psalm 126
Nobody can touch the joy I have in the LORD! Do you agree with that statement? Joy is different than happiness. In fact, I have tapped into my “joy” even in times of great distress and turmoil. It’s that joy that keeps me going when I’m feeling sad, lonely, or even stressed. Joy is not dependent upon good circumstances.
The psalmist talks about joy in this passage. His joy comes from what the LORD has done. That’s exactly where our joy comes from. We can’t create joy, it’s a gift from God as he works in our lives and in the world.
Witnessing a chaotic world that is both breathtakingly beautiful and out of control is one source of our joy. We can see God’s fingerprints all over the place, from a bold sunset to a tree budding in the Spring. Not only is God in nature, he lives in us. We can see him moving in our life and the lives of others. Answered prayer is a great example of how God connects with his people to bring his joy.
I like how the psalm calls out how everyone, even non-believers, can see God at work. How else does God speak to his children and those lost ones but by great displays of wonders. The people in Jesus’ day were clamoring for more miracles. Was it so that they could believe or that they wanted a dose of joy that only God’s hand brings?
Not only do we have the theme of joy here but also restoration. Being restored or reconciled to God is a great opportunity for joy. The peace that comes from depending on and trusting God is hard to describe. I never want to stop feeling that peace in the midst of a crazy world. Seeing what God is going to do next builds anticipation, and the expectant heart is a joyful heart.
Are you feeling a little “bah-humbug” when it comes to celebrating and need a little more joy this Christmas season? Take a moment to think through what happened in that lowly stable. God put on flesh and became one of us, entering the world as we all have in childbirth. For me, just thinking about how much God loves us that he would experience both the birth canal and the cross means so much. How can we not feel joyful when we rest in the truth about grace?
This psalm points back to the people returning “home” from exile. You know how good it feels to arrive home after a long trip. Being surrounded with the familiar can be so comforting. For the exiles, they felt joy at being rescued and seeing what God had done. God did not leave them abandoned. What a great reason to be joyful.
How is God working in your life this Advent season? Are you needing rescue so that your joy can be full? The words from a familiar Christmas carol, Joy to the World, strike a chord with me.
“Joy to the world the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And Heaven and nature sing.”
Picture the scene of all of heaven and nature singing out to welcome the LORD! Other great lyrics to raise your joy meter are, “the Savior reigns” and “he rules with truth and grace.” It’s time to prepare a place for Jesus in our hearts.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for how your joy overflows because of all you have done. Allow my heart and mind to be awed by your majesty. Help me spread your message of peace and joy to a world in need of comfort. Open my eyes to see you moving in my life and in those around me. I want to make a difference for you. Thank you for your love, your sacrifice, your Son. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
