The Sound of Joy

And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. (Nehemiah 12:43).

There’s a lot of joy in that verse!  These people were rejoicing because of joy, including women and children, and the sound they made could be heard far away!

Has God given you joy?  I’ve always been told joy is not like happiness, which ebbs and flows depending on circumstances.  Joy is something that comes from the inside, in response to the knowledge that we are loved.  I think that produces joy.  This is why a bride feels so joyous on her wedding day – the day she feels love and admiration. 

Are you rejoicing because of your joy?  It might look like singing, clapping your hands, smiling at others, laughing out loud, or any number of actions of rejoicing.  Joy cannot be contained, it has to spill over in a demonstrative way.

Do your children see you rejoicing?  Our children often see us frustrated, tired, frazzled, and aggravated.  But do we show them our joy and rejoice with them?

And finally, can your rejoicing for joy be heard outside the confines of your house?  Share the joy.

Why? Because He’s given you great joy.