Risen Joy

The burden of the cross weighs down the heart and seems to extinguish its hope. For the heart which recognizes the cross as a sign of God's love in its midst, hope is preserved. Joy becomes possible even in suffering. The hope of the resurrection reassures the heart and reaffirms faith which is its strength.

"May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves". (Psalm 126.5-6)

Shadow To Sunrise

Beneath the shadow of the cross,
Seeds of resurrection are sown;
For hearts which persevere through loss,
The Spirit rolls away the stone.

Beneath the shadow, joy is found:
As faith suspends doubts and despair,
And love amends, though wounds abound,
And hope transcends the angst and fear.

The early dawn of Easter morn,
Illuminates its silhouette:
The cross yields Christ as its firstborn --
The first of all He will beget.

The children of the Risen Lord,
Share in the Son's grace and glory,
In His Spirit, which is outpoured,
For all who hope in His mercy.

Though cross may weigh hearts and destroy;
The risen heart's gilded with joy.

"So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 51.11)

Lord, reassure my heart with hope, and plant seeds of joy in the midst of my suffering, that I may never lose sight of Your Easter victory. Amen.