“How has your day been?” was the question I asked as I purchased items at the checkout counter of a local store.  The response was “like any other day.” I said, “Does that mean a good day?”  The response came, “I am not sure there are many good days during this Covid19 time. They are all the same.”

To be honest I was saddened by this response because I realized once again the challenges that Covid19 has brought to individuals and families. On many days it is difficult for some to find much good.  

I asked myself whether there couldn’t be something greater to grasp hold of.  Are we simply stuck using the words that there are not many good days?  As I pondered this heavy thought my mind jumped swiftly to the scripture, “The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).

In looking up this scripture passage in our Bibles, we discover that the previous verses look backwards and speak of the “laughter” that came as God’s amazing works, amongst his people, were recognized and celebrated (2).  We can see these past works throughout the Bible, as page by page God’s story is told. We remind ourselves that one way laughter comes to us, is when we live recognizing God’s great works in the past.  Can you name some?

The verses that follow this central verse, shift our focus forwards. They recognize the weeping that is present, and tears that accompany the journey. The Psalmist acknowledges that not all days are good. Yet, his words proclaim to us that the joy producing actions of God in the past should solidly root us in the truth that God can and will provide joy producing acts in the future.  The anticipation of this is joy producing! We note that the promise is that ‘shouts of joy’ will accompany (4).  “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy” (5).

There is a prerequisite for joy though. Joy that comes to us is rooted in being a disciple of Jesus.  Eugene Peterson says that “Joy is not a requirement of being a Christian it is a consequence.”  We cannot experience joy unless we walk closely with, and learn from, the joy-giver and joy-bringer.  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).  Reading this verse, we are led to ask the question, “What things have you spoken?”  Together we can begin by reading all of John 14 and 15 and learn! Take some time today for this!

Joy can be ours today.  This simple children’s song reminds us that it resides deep down in our hearts and it comes from knowing Jesus.

I’ve Got the Joy

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart,

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy

Down in my heart,

Down in my heart to stay.

And I’m so happy,

So very happy;

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

And I’m so happy,

So very happy,

I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

Draw us to you Lord Jesus.  You alone are the one who offers joy on days which are not good.  Today, remind us of your great works in the past, great works that fill the pages of our Bible, the pages of our lives, and your church. Our joy comes in recognizing that you are a living God, faithfully at work in our world and lives. Today may we be able to say with the Psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” AMEN

With care and in prayer,