11/24/09

A different kind of Joy



Laughter is a wonderful thing; it helps make the heart light and eases almost any difficult time. Being sick is especially hard on the body and a weight to the spirit. That this bed-ridden woman can laugh is a testament to her friend's humor. But there is another kind of happiness a joy that occurs when the God of all the heavens dwells in your heart. Consider this passage from the Psalms for a moment.


Psalms 51:10-12 WEB (R)
(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
(11) Don't throw me from your presence, and don't take your holy Spirit from me.
(12) Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit.


There is a haunting song sung by the group Accapella which has the first phrase of verse 10 as its title. Every time I listen to it somehow a warm glow comes over me and I feel closer to God. Happiness is the result, because at those moments I feel closest to God. OH, it isn't rip-roaring, belly shaking laughter, but something more substantial, something wonderful! The only thing I can think of is the joy referred to in verse 12. Take a moment and go to Accapella's website; you will be glad you did. (http://www.acappella.org/)