Joy From Circumstances? I Don't Think So!

Just stumbled across two great clips from Sister Act 2. Both this clip and the one before (see previous post below) begin with soloist stumbling due to circumstances, (i.e. fear of what others think...in this clip the soloist fears her mom's reaction is was against her singing, but shows up at the concert).

Again, the joy is evident, and it reminds me of the powerful message in this hymn...yep, that's what this is, a hymn, written by Henry J. van Dyke in 1907. The lyrics follow the video and remind us that our joy should be centered on our Father, our Savior, and our Comforter the Holy Spirit, not on what happens in circumstances.




Observations on the lyrics:

• God is the "Giver of immortal gladness!" You don't find much (make that ANY) IMMORTAL gladness in the things of this world apart from a relationship with our Father through Christ.
• All our circumstance should move us to "rejoice in Thee!"
• He gives, blesses, forgives and gives some more! Rejoice!
• He is our "wellspring of the joy of living!" Rejoice!
• He will teach us " how to love one another!" Rejoice!
• We are invited to join "the happy chorus!" Rejoice, don't go it alone!
• As we rejoice in Him, we move FORWARD in GROWTH and TRANSFORMATION! Rejoice!
• He gives us the ability to be "victors in the midst of strife!" Rejoice

Circumstances got you down? They will....but every day we can be joyful if we're looking in the right direction! UP! To our Father! Rejoice, because you have a lot of reasons to....in Him!

Lyrics:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.