I remember a song from Vacation Bible School. You may remember it as well. The title of the song is, “Down In My Heart.” The chorus and the first verse are as follows.
I have the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart, (where?)
Down in my heart, (where?)
Down in my heart,
I have the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart, (where?)
Down in my heart to stay.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I have the love of Jesus in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I have the love of Jesus in my heart.
I was reminded of this song as I thought about my faith. Though, all of us go through difficulties, our faith provides us with joy. I am not talking about a joy that is found on your face as evidenced in a smile. Although, to smile can be a result of joy. The joy I speak of is a joy that is much deeper. This joy truly comes from, as the song tells us, down in our heart.
In chapter 15 of the book of John, our Savior tells us that we are loved. He encourages us to abide in Him and to listen to His Word. This is joy. This is where our joy comes from. We are His. His love, His Spirit dwells within us. Jesus tells us in verse 11 of this chapter, “11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full (John 15:11 NASB).” Allow the joy of our Lord to be in you. Allow His peace to envelop you in all situations so that your joy may be made full. Joy, down in your heart.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 17:22, “22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Joy is good medicine for an ailing heart. Conversely, brokenness of spirit dries up our bones making us brittle. I pray that whatever trials you face, whatever struggle you are currently dealing with, in the midst of this, remember joy. Remember the unshakable, unfathomable joy of the Savior. Remember, you are loved and you are His. Be joyful, therefore and know that He is your God!
I leave you with Paul’s encouragement, “13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13 ESV).”
May your faith be an ever-present source of joy and hope.
Corby Shuey 