Day 2 — Joy

Psalm 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 my song I praise him.

‘Sing when you’re winning’ is the world’s slogan. You see it play out at football matches, pubs and clubs and family celebrations. All the things we can’t do right now! But what about singing when it feels like you’re losing? Why would anyone do that?

The Bible seems to suggest, in numerous places, that it’s important to praise God through song no matter what the circumstances. That is why we’re offering sung worship online throughout this time when we can’t gather. 

But why? 

One of the reasons is that singing to God doesn’t just express joy but can actually enable joy. 

Alongside peace, joy is a second key fruit of the Spirit. When we choose to sing and join in with others, even over the internet, God moves in us by His Spirit and fills us with something that comes from outside of us, that’s deeper and wider than our own capacity to create ‘happiness’. It is that moment in the singing when we remember that we can trust Him; that he is faithful no matter what. That is the moment, even if it’s small, even if we can hardly feel it, when a seed of heavenly joy is deposited in our souls. That seed grows throughout the day and becomes our strength and our shield: it is part of knowing the presence of the Lord. 

Paul and Silas when they were in prison in Acts 16 didn’t just pray, they sang. You might feel like you’re ‘in prison’ today – for many of us that’s literally being stuck at home. For some of us our fears may be trying to imprison us. Dig deep and put on some worship songs. It may feel like the last thing you want to do, but open your mouth and join in. Singing is not a luxury item but an essential gift from God that enables us to enjoy him and be people who carry joy even when it feels like we’re ‘losing’.

The Lord is your strength and shield. Trust in Him and let joy fortify your life.

Dr Nick Drake
Associate Pastor