Inexpressible Joy

My oldest daughter’s name is Joy, and 4 months ago, she gave birth to her firstborn daughter, Zoe (which means Life). Names are really important, and often reflect their parents’ hopes and dreams for their child’s future. Naming our daughter, Joy, was meaningful to us; we wanted her to experience true “delight” in her life.

Holding the tiny new “Life” that is the daughter of “Joy” is a tremendous reminder of what is important to all of us. Since Zoe’s birth, I have been thinking about what it means to have an inexpressible and glorious joy in life. Just knowing a new grandchild was coming lifted my spirits, but each time I get to see her just adds to my joy in life in being a grandmother again!

New life brings a sense of hope. More than ever, our world needs the promise of better things to come, a reason for joy. When I hold this baby, born of both pain and hope, I am reminded that even death cannot squelch joy. This thought is especially meaningful to me, as I lost my 90-year-old father recently and was not able to go home to see him one last time. I can choose to rejoice that he is with Jesus, and I will see him again someday, even in the midst of my grief. This reminds me of a song:

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
and feel the pride and joy she gives;
but greater still the calm assurance
this child can face uncertain days,
because [Christ] lives.

Because he lives, I can face tomorrow;
because he lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know he holds the future,
and I can face uncertain days,
because he lives.

Where does your joy come from? Can you look ahead with faith, no matter what grief or trials you are experiencing right now? Do you have that “joy, joy, joy, joy down in your heart to stay” (a song that our little “Joy” used to love to sing!)?

Father God, please show me how to have inexpressible and glorious joy, no matter what happens in my day, knowing that Christ lives! Amen.

Throughout This Day: Choose by faith to have inexpressible joy bubble over in your heart today, as you steadfastly love Jesus and believe God for what you cannot yet see!