What is pure joy? Where is there a joy, a moment that fills you with unexplainable happiness; a joy that overshadows the pain and suffering of this world? It is the joy of a resurrection morning; the joy of realizing Christ Jesus has overcome death; the joy where sorrow and loss is replaced with new hope. It is not a mere phrase, “Trust Jesus,” but a joy deep within your soul born out of loss; a joy that sprouts from a seed of despair. It is a joy known because you have known overwhelming pain. This joy is not a fleeting feeling or emotion, but a joy born in a manger so many years ago. A joy born when we look into the eyes of the newborn king with childlike faith. This is the eternal joy born within us when we say, “Jesus is Lord.”
“The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.” – Luke 2:20 (NASB)
“They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” – Isaiah 35:10 (NIV)
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” – Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV)
© 2019 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
I’m very encouraged by the psalm you referenced. Thanks for sharing it.
I like that Psalm because it talks of fruit being born out of our suffering.
Blessed with joys amid sorrows even now.
Praise God for the joy of the Lord. Blessings.
Falling in love with the Savior is a wonderful journey.
Amen! Blessings.
Of the many examples of people experiencing the joy of the Lord that Scripture tells us of, the shepherds are among my favorites. Coming from the dark of night, physically and spiritually, into the incredible light from heaven, filled their hearts with overflowing joy. Whenever I feel low, I try to remember those shepherds, the lowest on the social scale in their day, to be the very first to hear of the birth of the Savior.
What a joy-giving God we worship and serve!
Pastor Chuck
Such truth in your comment. God cates about all his people, even those society looks down on. Indeed, what a joy-giving God we serve. Blessings.