| I have been listening to a recent remake of the familiar children’s song, Give Me Joy in My Heart. The lyrics speak of choosing faith and gratitude in the face of struggles, asking God to ‘give [us] joy’ and ‘keep [us] praising ’til the break of day’.
At a time of so much concern and challenge in our communities, our country and our world, it is easy for our attention and prayers to become consumed by the desperate need we see around us — and may indeed experience ourselves. Yet I am reminded that God grows joy in us when we live by His Spirit.
Psalm 92 says:
‘It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to your name […]
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;
I sing for joy at what your hands have done.’
Joy has a profound effect on us and those around us. Singing, too, can positively impact both our physical and mental wellbeing. It should be no surprise, then, that this Psalm — itself a song — reminds us that it is good to worship in this way, drawing our attention to the good things God has done. We are intricately designed to respond to joy.
As we pray this month, would you join me in praying for the joy of the Lord to sustain and strengthen those in our prison communities and their families? Pray that joy would be known in unlikely places and circumstances, and that joy would grow in those who know and love Him. |
