I decided to head out on a walk today in the late afternoon. It was hot! I live in Texas, so enough said. The heat was accompanied by bright sunshine and a light wind which rejuvenated me. I grew up in Southwest Kansas, and it was always hot and windy in the summers. Add to that my ceaseless tennis playing, and I became quite accustomed to the heat; in fact, I actually enjoyed it.
This is changing as I get older, but I was determined not to focus on the temperature. “Happy thoughts,” I told myself! It wasn’t long before an old familiar song I learned as a child popped into my head. I literally had not thought of this song for years. I automatically started singing it out loud. It came back to me as if I had learned it yesterday! By the way, I was alone, but if anyone would have seen me, they would have known I was enjoying myself! Do you happen to recognize these lyrics?
I have the joy, joy, joy, joy Down in my heart, (Where?) Down in my heart, (Where?) Down in my heart, I have 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 have the love of Jesus in my heart. (Down in my heart.) And I'm so happy, so very happy. I have the love of Jesus in my heart.
Isn’t it just like God to use our childhood experiences to fill our minds with happy thoughts and remind us of His love? I found myself smiling the entire long, hot walk. I was truly happy! This simple little song reminded me of how rewarding and gratifying a Christian life can be. No matter our circumstances, no matter the uncertainty in our future, we can have joy. We can be happy! Why? Because we have the love of Jesus in our hearts.
I want to encourage you today. I want to remind you of Jesus’s love for you.
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! I John 3:1
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Never forget what it means to be loved by God.
Because you are loved, you are forgiven. There is nothing you have done or nothing you will do that will take away God‘s precious love for you.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. John 3:23-24
Because you are loved, you are blessed. God desires to bless you, to provide for you, and to shower you with his goodness.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
Because you are loved, you don’t have to worry about your future. God has you covered.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Because you are loved, you can love others. Even the unlovable.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Yes, COVID-19 is real. Yes, there is racial unrest in our country. Yes, our economy is suffering. However, we can have joy deep down in our hearts. We can be happy deep down in our hearts. Why? Because Jesus is there.
Enjoy his love. Cherish his love. Express his love…deep down in your heart!
I happened to have my phone with me on my walk which is unusual, so I decided to see if I could find this song on YouTube. Luckily it was right there! Needless to say, it put a spring in my step, and I think I walked further and faster than planned!
If you haven’t heard this song make sure and listen to the link pasted below. In fact, even if you have heard it, take a moment to listen and check out the second and third verses! It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I promise! If you have kids or grandkids, make sure they know this song, too! Maybe someday it will be an encouragement to them on a long summer walk.
By the way, if you don’t have this joy down in your heart, I want it for you more than anything! Click on the link below and find out how to bring Jesus deep down in your heart!