The word joy appears 218 times in 210 verses of the New International Version of the Bible. God absolutely wants His children to desire, seek, attain, and boldly live in joy! 

   As a child during vacation Bible school, we often sang the Joy Joy Joy Joy song. I really enjoyed that song because our leaders encouraged us to sing it enthusiastically LOUD. 

   My memories are vivid—I was always happy and cheerful while we  sang that inspiring song. Now as an adult, I totally appreciate going deeper into the meaning of that song,  resonating in those unadorned lyrics. 

   I have God’s joy in my heart all year long, not just at Christmas!

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay

   Yes, God wants us to have joy in our hearts—at all times, all year long, in all circumstances, not just during the Christmas season. And to help us attain that joy, He provided The Way.

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

   Everyone wants happiness! 

   No one with a healthy mind finds pleasure in pain, injustice, battle, or neglect. However, when we find ourselves in any of those dire situations (which we always do), the Bible tells us to turn to Jesus. Jesus is the way to great and everlasting joy. He alone lives in our hearts.

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay

   Jesus is in charge!

   When we have Jesus living in our hearts, He is the one who takes control of those uncomfortable situations. With Jesus, we can allow our minds to rest at peace and know we are doing our best as we trust Jesus at His word.

Acts 2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

   Yet some situations in life, as we all know, are very bad. And we have absolutely no control over the out come. It’s during these times that it is especially good to turn it all over to Jesus.

Though we don’t know how or even when we will overcome that circumstance, Jesus can take away anxious emotions in unknown circumstances and give peace.

I’ve got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay

   The last verse in NIV Bible that includes the word joy is found in the last verse of Jude, which is the next to the last book in the Bible. Jude wrote to encourage believers in their faith. Like today, they were living in a time of heresy.

God gives us everlasting Joy!

Jude 1:24-25 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

   This verse is our assurance! A declaration that as the Savior of the world, Jesus is always with us and He alone is our Joy Joy Joy Joy!

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