Dancing for joy. Singing for joy. Shout for joy. Rejoicing. Enjoying. Bringing great joy. Ecstatic happiness. The very word “joy” makes people smile. “to experience great pleasure or delight” is one definition from Merriam Webster. I think of joy as a feeling in motion, something that must be acted on as in the dancing, singing and shouting. We could all use a little more joy in our lives right now.
A constant barrage of negative information hits most of us right in the face every morning. It’s everywhere you look. In everything you read. Wouldn’t it be nice to have more opportunities to feel joyful? Instead of the negative daily greeting, how about seeing some dancing for joy, hearing some singing or shouting for joy? There are genuine reasons many of us have to not feel joyful. We have bills to pay, medical issues, the car needs repair, the roof is leaking, illness. The list goes on and on.
Listening to a series of sermons on the Psalms of Ascent reminded me of how often the theme of singing for joy comes up. Painting during these sermons was something I was drawn to very strongly. Painting the Word of God through His Spirit was a longing in my heart. The theme of these Psalms was churning in me..
I can’t count the number of times I have actually in my life wanted to truly shout for joy or sing for joy. There have been some times when I felt that much joy. Is it a regular thing? No. But I wanted it to be.
As I sat in my painting spot listening, I painted. And I asked the Great Creator to paint through me and show me joy so I could show others joy. And guess what?? He did! AS I looked at the first paintings I thought, “this is what joy is!” He showed me that all I needed to do was ask. And guess what else? I started to feel joyful. And then I smiled and started to sing. Praying you will too!!
Note: The Psalms of Ascent sermons were by Pastor J. P. Vick at Northside Assembly of God, Jackson, TN