How can we have joy in today's world? Here is part of my answer.
Just me and my PC.
I am a solo musician working with my PC which has a good sound card, and Noteworthy Composer which allows me to record my music. I just want to share the good things that Jesus has given me in life, and one of those is music.
Story behind the song
I was challenged when I heard a song about the Joy of the Lord, I wondered what that really meant for me. Could I have a more joyous attitude to life. I started writing a song about Ezra and when he said the joy of the Lord is your strength, yet that seemed to talk about the people's joy and not really the Lord's. Then I completely rewrote the words and kept the original tune. I didn't expect it to be possible, but it worked and every time I sing this I am challenged about how my view of life is so much lower than the view of Him I call Lord. I hope it encourages you too.
Lyrics
The TV news overflows
with such agony and woes
of misery and strife throughout the earth,
the future looks so dark
and I feel sick at heart
what hope for peace and joy and any new birth?
But Jesus tells me, 'no',
do not look as from below
take the view from on high
the point of view of him who died.
His attitude in the struggle,
the joy of the Lord; though there's such sadness.
He knows what is coming,
yet He’s filled with hope.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
The church today seems weak
has no power to speak
division and dissension all around.
the future looks so dark
and I feel sick at heart
how will those all around us see his renown?
But Jesus tells me, 'no',
do not look as from below
take the view from on high
the point of view of him who died.
His attitude in the struggle,
the joy of the Lord; though there's such sadness.
He knows what is coming,
yet He’s filled with hope.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
My God knows the finish, it's guaranteed
With joy, He paid the price!
I know that my God's plans will succeed
It all will turn out right,
there's an end to the night.
I'll live with ...
His attitude in the struggle,
the joy of the Lord; though there's such sadness.
He knows what is coming,
yet He’s filled with hope.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!
It’s your joy O Lord that’s my strength.
