To say that 2020 has been challenging is an understatement. Death, pandemic, freedoms restricted, corruption and much more are just a few of the problems that plagued the last twelve months. Many describe the current year as unbelievably difficult for them. The chaos, negativity, and gross darkness that covers this world have caused fear and despondency in a lot of people. Yet, during it all, we have been given a great biblical promise – JOY! Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

We need joy because overwhelming problems and trials zap our energy and our hope. Proverbs 17:22 states, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” However, the joy of the Lord refreshes and gives us fortitude. Nehemiah 8:10 states, “… And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

This joy is greater than happiness. Happiness is temporal, but joy is eternal. It comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Psalm 33:21 states, “For our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name.” Also, joy will materialize in your life when you spend time meditating on scripture. In John 15:11 Jesus stated, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

Today, the Christmas Carol “Joy to World” is relevant more than ever because Christ the Savior was born. Here are a few of the Lyrics:

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The light of His righteousness
And wonders of His love

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father, you are the God of hope that fills us with all joy and peace. I delight greatly in you, O Lord; my soul rejoices because you are my God. You have dressed me in garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Your word and statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. When trials come, help me to get my focus on you and rejoice in you. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.”