Lately I’ve been thinking about how wonderful the name “Joy” is for a church, and how we at Joy Lutheran should try to celebrate our fortunate name.  To do this I looked at some scriptures about joy and even did a word search in the NIV translation.  I found 238 such verses; I’m sure there are many more that use a synonym for joy.  Here are some that I think speak to us.

Isaiah 12: 6 “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Psalms 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalms 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with song I praise him.”

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.’ “

Matthew 28:8 “So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.”

Romans 14:7 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

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.”

The Old Testament scriptures tell us of a God that guides us and strengthens us in times of trouble, and whose greatness brings us joy.  The first three New Testament ones reflect the joy that comes to us from God’s human presence with us in the birth of Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit. The final verse from Jude sums up our New Testament joy.  Please take joy in the knowledge that God loves YOU unconditionally.

Jim