INTRODUCTION

People express joy in distinct ways: some expressions involve tears, some laughter, and some simple words of praise; yet each expression of joy stems from the goodness of God. With all these variations, the Bible repeats a few expressions in conjunction with people having joy. Several times we are told that the people of God rejoiced with great joy (1 Kings 1:40And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them.
See All...; Nehemiah 12:43Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
See All...). This joy on the part of the people of God generally manifested itself as a vocal expression of praise. Additionally, the Bible also connects joy with music, like the noise of a harp (Isaiah 24:8The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
See All...) and singing (Psalm 95:1-2 [1] O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. [2] Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
See All...). Though the Bible conveys various types of expressions, true joy cannot be hidden.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Most children who have gone to church really like the song "Jesus Loves Me." Think about how different this song would be if everyone singing had a sad face or a sad voice. Would this reflect the true joy that should be in their heart? When your heart is glad, your face will show it and your voice will reveal it.
• (For everyone): Do you frequently have a song in your heart? Do you find yourself humming, whistling, or singing some song of praise to God? If so, this generally reflects a person with joy in the Lord.
• The things that come out of your mouth tell a great deal about what is going on in your heart (Matthew 12:34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
  See All...). What types of things seem to frequently proceed out of your mouth?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to fill your heart with a song of joy.
• Ask God to help you take note of the things that come from your mouth.

HYMN

In My Heart There Rings a Melody

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