Ode to Joy

"But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy! Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds; his name is the LORD, exult before him!" (1)

"Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me to thy holy hill and to thy dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise thee with the lyre, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God." (2)

"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (3)

Rejoicing Hearts

The joyful heart beats gratitude;
God knows its needs and provides all.
Thanksgiving is an attitude,
Which lifts the spirit from its fall.

The joyful heart's anchored by hope:
Christ's triumph over death is sure.
When despair forms its slippery slope,
Christ lights the way -- His road's secure.

The joyful heart redounds with praise:
It celebrates God's endless love,
Which shelters us in all our ways.
Heaven's our home -- we look above!

O Lord, my Joy, be my heart's song!
Dance, my soul: in joy we belong!

(c) Paul Buis, 2000

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(1) Psalm 68:3-4
(2) Psalm 43:3-5
(3) John 15:10-11