JOY IN JESUS

No matter what is happening, it’s time to praise the Lord. In weeping or in laughter, joy is your precious sword. The odds may seem impossible. You may think you are through. That’s when, if you are joyful, you’ll see what God can do. For joy is like a medicine; a tonic for the soul; The strength of His empowering that always makes you whole. A change in situation need never get you down, For joy can be the antidote for anything in town. The fact is He is coming no matter how you feel. So sing for joy you heavens; His joyfulness is real. Even if you’re living in a dim and distant land; His joy will give you energy to change what has been planned. He’ll bring you right back home again though you may be a slave. For Jesus and His joyfulness are powerful to save. The springs of His salvation are a source of joy and peace. The whole world may be trembling but His joy will never cease He hears your cries for mercy in the face of all your foes, And gives the power to vanquish them when joy within you grows. The Lord is my defender. He is my mighty shield. I sing for joy for with it, His mighty sword I wield. My heart exalts within me and I praise Him with my song, Because the joy of Jesus makes sure I am not wrong. He’s clothed me with salvation; His righteousness I wear. I’m decked out like a bridegroom and joyfully I swear, Allegiance to my Master. He is the King of Kings. No wonder that my spirit in joy for Jesus wrings. I know I’ve no ability to do things on my own; And so I boast in Jesus; His joy is now my throne! So I am proud in Jesus! His joy is now my pride. It isn’t me who did it for I am but His bride. And I may celebrate the joy of what my “husband” wills. In joy I’m in submission and all His doings thrill, And makes me so delighted to let Him take the lead; And from this place of joyfulness, He meets my every need. It’s really not a struggle it’s all I seek to do. My joy is in my Master who makes my dreams come true. So I rejoice in Jesus, my Saviour, Lord and King. I am His joyful subject. So let His joy bells ring! Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 14 August 2011