Seize the Moment – Day 403
Today’s hymn focus will be “Joy in Serving Jesus”
Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV)
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!”
Rev. Dr. Oswald J Smith was the pastor of the People’s Church in Toronto, Canada. The hymn began as a personal testimony, expressing the joy he experienced in serving Jesus. He wrote, “In spite of burdens and heartaches, in spite of challenges and difficulties, it should be our great delight to serve the King of kings.” He collaborated with B.D. Ackley in writing nearly a hundred songs. When this one was published in 1931, Ackley wrote back to Pastor Smith “I have a hunch this one is a winner!” and he was right!
Pastor Smith wrote:
There is joy in serving Jesus, as I journey on my way, joy that fills my heart with praises,
every hour of every day.
There is joy, joy, joy in serving Jesus, Joy that throbs within my heart
Every moment, every hour, As I draw upon His power, there is joy, joy
Joy that never shall depart.
We need to wake up and realize that joy is not a product of our circumstances. Joy is a product of our relationship with Jesus. Focus more time and energy on that relationship and ask him to restore the joy of sharing His love and His Word with others today!
YOUTUBE:
As I journey on my way,
Joy that fills the heart with praises,
Ev’ry hour and ev’ry day.
There is joy, joy,
Joy in serving Jesus,
Joy that throbs within my heart;
Ev’ry moment, ev’ry hour,
As I draw upon His power,
There is joy, joy,
Joy that never shall depart.
Joy that triumphs over pain,
Fills my soul with heaven’s music,
Till I join the glad refrain. [Refrain]
As I walk alone with God.
‘Tis the joy of Christ, my Savior,
Who the path of suffering trod. [Refrain]
Joy amid the darkest night,
For I’ve learned the wondrous secret,
And I’m walking in the light. [Refrain]