by Kala Loptien

Down in my Heart

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You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 English Standard Version 

If you were to visit our home during a particular morning hour or a significant amount of time, there’s a good chance you’ll hear the song: “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay. And I’m so happy, so very happy. I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heeeaaaaarrrrrt.”

It’s often my go-to because it elicits exactly what it promotes. My daughter could have her unicorn covers pulled over her sleepy head. She could be bumming about a kindergarten conflict or a change in the seating arrangement. Or, my personal favorite, producing a pouty face that could coax the best of them. But when these words of truth permeate her heart, a beautiful beam invades the dark facade. In no time, we are talking about letting our light shine, and of course, singing about it.

As adults, our everyday-joy-robbers graduate to new levels. We dread the rude tone of our alarm, as it announces another draining work week. We experience a shift in our mood and thoughts when life is not unfolding according to our plan. Then there are those severe life circumstances. The sting of rejection; the curveball of adversity; the heartache of profound loss. Our light dims.

But our Lord and Maker, Author and Perfecter knows all of this. He knew we needed a Savior — the light of the world. He knew we needed a Helper — the spirit-lifting, prayer-nudging kind. So He sent them both on our behalf. Jesus knows about heartache at the most extreme level. The kind we can’t even fathom. This was done so that in Him (and Him alone) we would have fullness of joy. It is not a temporary, circumstance-dependent kind of happiness. It’s a true, constant and everlasting state of being, that grows stronger as we continue to abide in Him.

Lord, when our little lights fail to shine, remind us of the true joy that only Jesus can provide. Amen. 

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado