Fields United Methodist Church

Day 25. Take Time to Be Holy

April 27, 2020

“Honor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.”

I Chronicles 16:27

Read:  I Chronicles 16:7-36

One of my favorite Christmas carols is, “Joy to the World.” When congregations sing this beloved hymn, it always seems sung a bit louder and with conviction. First Chronicles 16:27 affirms that where ever the Lord is, there is joy. For me joy is a feeling of excitement and affirmation that all is ok.  Many years ago, Laurie and I traveled to Liberia to witness Jesus Christ in a country just coming out of a fifteen year long civil war that left the country with no running water or electricity, not to mention the loss of over 250,000 people to the war. Our first worship service was in the Ganta Hospital’s chapel when God’s people gathered for morning worship. Before any words were spoken, the church began to sing, “Good morning Jesus, good morning Lord, we know you come from heaven above. The Holy Spirit sits on the throne, good morning Jesus, good morning Lord.” It was not only sung, it was proclaimed, with tears of incredible “joy” as they welcomed their Lord into the meeting. We could feel the very presence of Jesus Christ and there was excitement; there was energy. We left worship so lifted up, still feeling the presence of the Spirit. So how could there be “joy” in a world that was torn apart by war? How could there be “joy” when so many lives were touched by the tragedy of war? Joy in the Lord means the comfort and peace of knowing that no matter how difficult the journey, the presence of the Lord offers hope and affirmation that we are not alone and that the power and strength of God will see us through even the most difficult of times. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come,” “we know you come from heaven above;” and that is the good news, news of great joy. This is the story of God, through our resurrected Savior Jesus Christ alive and well offering joy.

How would you describe the first time you felt joy?

When did you first feel the “joy of the Lord?” How did it feel? How did you share your experience with another?

Prayer: God of joy, help me to feel your joy even when life is a challenge. May I feel your presence and know the joy of believing every step of the way.  Amen