Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Joy of Innocence

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.

As a child, I recited the above song many times. I sang, clapped, and smiled, embracing the God I loved, the God who loved me. No thoughts about death, health, the future, or finances entered the picture—the sweet joy of innocence.

In fact, even as I approached my early twenties, I still carried that joy.


See what I mean? I had joy, I tell you, even playing with backgammon chips.
 



















Since that time, though, I’ve endured numerous trials. As a result, I came to view things differently. Those worrisome thoughts that once escaped me, rushed to the forefront of my mind.

They crowded out my joy. 

Don’t get me wrong, I knew things were supposed to change as I got older, but I don’t think God ever intended for me to lose such a precious gift. . .for any of us to lose it.

Perhaps that’s why God said we should be converted, become as little children. Children have joy.

And the joy of the Lord is our strength, isn't it?
You know, I think it's time to sing, dance, and laugh again, just like the child God commanded us to be.
Care to join me?
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart.
I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.

Note: Today's post is part of the CW blog chain. The topic is "Joy". Please check out my sidebar, further down on the right, to see some great posts by other writers.

28 comments:

  1. That song will now be playing in my head all day. Thank you! :)

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  2. It made me smile to think of all the CW Blogchain joining hands across the world to sing
    'I got the Joy' and mean it
    Glory to His Name

    Biiiiiiiig hug

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  3. I'm clapping and singing! Fun post - perfect timing!

    I've got that joy, joy, joy down in my heart to stay!!!!

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  4. Very good, Deborah. We do have to work at it (and depend on God's help) to keep the childlike joy you mention. Thanks for the reminder (and I'll be singing all day too!)

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  5. I haven't thought about that song in so long... I don't think I had any concept of what I was singing.

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    1. Same here, Mike. I didn't evaluate any concepts back then. That's probably another reason I had joy. :-)

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  6. I don't know, those glowing eyes ... Creepy!

    But seriously, like most children, I had learned this song early in life. We had several verses to it: "I have umption in my gumption" (whatever that meant). And a rapid one: I have the wonderful love of my blessed Redeemer, way down in the depths of my heart." That's two or three syllables per note. Great fun!

    No matter how you sing it, learning a joyful song about joy is the best way to embrace it early, and keep it with you all your life. Thanks for a great post.

    ~ VT

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    1. LOL Victor. Your first line cracked me up.

      Praying that God continue to give both of us umption in our gumption (like you said, whatever that means).

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  7. Wow, that song brings back memories! All good. I've been praying for God to renew my joy and I'm reminded again that His joy is our strength. Thank you for the joyful song : )

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    1. Ain't it the truth, Cynthia? Without His strength, I would be nothing.

      Thanks for stopping.

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  8. focusing on the simple things, like a child, is good advice.

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    1. Thanks, Tracy. And another thanks for stopping in to visit me.

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  9. Good reminder of simpler times. And good call to go back to those simple joys of believing and just being, like a child. :) Thanks.

    I thought of another verse: "I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart..."

    SandiGrace

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    1. I thought of that verse, too, Sandi. The Scripture it's based on is one of my favorites.

      Thanks for coming by.

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  10. Great post. I can hear the clapping ring in my ears. Joy...joy...joy. What a wonderful thought. Peace and Blessings

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    1. Thanks, E.G. Glad it brought you some, well, joy.

      Peace and blessings back at you, brother.

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  11. Thank you Deborah, I enJoyed the thought and feel the joy :-)

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  12. Adulthood certainly does suck a lot of the joy out of life. I like how you pointed out that God wants us to approach him like children. Very encouraging.

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  13. Love that song, Deborah! Thanks for reminding me about it. :)

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    1. You're welcome, Traci. Thank you for stopping by. :-)

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