Joy to the World

"Joy to the world..."

For the life of me I could not figure out how that song got stuck in my head exactly two weeks to the hour that Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy hit my city with a devastating blow. It was especially curious since I was in no frame of mind to think about the Christmas season with all its commerciality while I was working with children who would have anything but a typical "merry" Christmas this year. Yet the song just popped into my head as I tucked my kids into bed and continued playing on repeat as I went about my nightly routine of straightening up the house and readying for the next day.

"Joy to the world... the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King... let every heart prepare Him room..."

Yes, the Lord has definitely made His power and presence known in this city lately. When a group of us had discussed the strong feeling that God was about to do something BIG here on Staten Island, a hurricane wasn't exactly what we expected. However, watching person after person search for and find Him in the storm's wake brought an immeasurable joy. There was no doubt in His power with the fierceness of the storm that hit. There was no doubt of His ability to perform miracles as story after story of "near-misses" emerged. There was indeed joy when our King was received - despite the circumstances that brought it about.

"Joy to the world, the Savior reigns... let men their songs employ... while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains... repeat the sounding joy..."

When our Savior reigns, there is joy that cannot diminish or fade away, no matter what circumstances surround us. There is a woman here on Staten Island with a young daughter who lost everything. Their home literally floated away down the street with all of their belongings in it. Yet the woman and her child were smiling, and the mom kept saying "It's okay, I know God has a plan. I'm honored to be a part of His plan. I know bigger blessings are coming than the ones that just washed away." The Savior reigned in her life and despite the fact that everything was gone except for her life and the life of her child, she was filled with joy and anticipation of the blessings to come.

"No more let sins and sorrows grow... nor thorns infest the ground... He comes to make His blessings flow..."

He punishes us for our sins. As a loving Father, He must. He wants to bless us with better things. He wants us to turn from things of this earth and seek things of greater value - His things. When we let go of our earthly desires and treasures, we can fully see His gifts. As we let go of our material things we find joy in the things that really matter. As we walk away from our sin He blesses us and brings greater joy than we could have ever imagined. Sometimes He moves and allows things to happen to get our attention back on Him and on the things of eternity. He reminds us that life here on earth is temporary and fleeting. There are greater things yet to come for those who believe.

"He rules the world with truth and grace... and makes the nations prove... the glories of His righteousness... and wonders of His love..."

When the Truth rules with Grace, there is great joy. When He is allowed to rule over all - His truth, His mercies, His will, His grace, His discipline, His love - the joy cannot be matched. There is no greater joy than living in His truth and grace. His glory is revealed when His people respond to trials and tragedies with the same love and compassion that He has shown us. We give Him honor and praise when we serve in His name - showing His power and majesty to the world. After the superstorm, Staten Island was not immediately assisted by the government, by the big-name agencies or by the military. The city was assisted by the people and the church. The body of Christ moved together in unity to reach out and help every person it could. Neighbor helped neighbor - even strangers. Staten Island relied on God and His people to bring help, rescue, care and restoration. Every hand that is reaching out to help another is visually demonstrating His love and compassion. Every gift that is given speaks of His grace and mercy. People are bringing joy to others with His truth and grace.

"JOY to the WORLD"

I guess He was trying to remind me that no matter what is going on, there is "joy unspeakable that won't go away" in my life. Which brought me to my next thought (song). I don't have to worry about tomorrow because He's already there. He's already taking care of what's to come. In faith, I can fully count on Him - and be filled with His joy and peace.

"Joy unspeakable that won't go away
And just enough strength to live for today
So I never have to worry
What tomorrow will bring
'Cause my faith is on solid rock
I am counting on God
I am counting on
I am counting on God

The miracle of Christ in me
Is the mystery that sets me free
I'm nothing like I used to be
Just open up your eyes, you'll see

Joy unspeakable that won't go away
And just enough strength to live for today
So I never have to worry
What tomorrow will bring
'Cause my faith is on solid rock
I am counting on God
I am counting on
I am counting on God" (Desperation Band)

Yes, I am counting on God. And I will keep singing for joy as I wait.