Joy In His Presence

Joy can be nurtured in the heart and cultivated continually in the Lord's presence. This should happen, not apart from daily life, but in the midst of the everyday. The heart which rejoices in His presence can flourish in the life of His Spirit at all times.

"Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually." (Psalm 105.3b-4)

Joyful Heart

The joyful heart rises above,
Life's baggage and complexity,
With one purpose -- to live in love,
Entrenched in its reality.

The joyful heart accepts its place,
Trusting fully in the Lord's hand:
He will provide guidance and grace;
He knows what's best -- His will is planned.

The joyful heart strives to abide,
In His presence at that moment --
So soul and Spirit may confide,
In grace and peace at His descent.

In His presence, joy flourishes;
Peace shields the heart from sun and storm;
Love stokes the heart and nourishes
The soul -- in all, joy is the norm.

In joy, truth and love intertwine,
As God's will and the heart align.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4.4-7)

Lord, strengthen my heart in Your presence and preserve me in Your peace, that joy may overflow in my heart at all times. Amen.