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.