Seeking Joy

Be joyful in God, all you lands; *
sing the glory of his Name; sing the glory of his praise.  Psalm 66:1

Joyful Noise             Nii Teiko Aryeetey - Ghana

As the long days of summer shorten, and the leaves on the trees begin to change colors, and the night air begins to feel crisp, we know we are facing change. The fact is, some people cannot bear this beautiful time of year and the gorgeous fall colors because they live in dread of the onset of winter with all its associated inconveniences. But the Psalmist reminds us to keep the rite of joy in our hearts always.

“Be joyful in God, all ye lands,” the Psalmist pleads, for God has created this mysterious cycle for us. Embrace all aspects of it. Look with wonder as the leaves transform themselves into the brilliant auburn colors without dread. For if you live in dread of winter, you will miss the show of fall.

Be joyful in God when the snow encapsulates us in our homes and brings us close together before the hearth, because we are made for each other. Be joyful in God when the ice begins to thaw, and the first tentative crocus reveals itself as a testimony to God’s plan: that new life will always emerge from death.

Seek after joy and it will surprise you. And in that instant, that instant where you discover it, look up, and thank God for this unfolding, ongoing, eternal joy that God has created for our pleasure. It is there. It is there waiting for us, inviting us into the eternal embrace of the Holy Trinity.

Be joyful in God.