Natalie Streeth wrote Joy in the Morning for an inauguration at WV Wesleyan College in the 1970s. Besides being an incredibly beautiful song, it holds a lot of meaning for us as Christians. The song reflects basic tenets of our faith; joy in the Lord, the glory of God, the peace His forgiveness grants and how much we are loved.
Joy
The relief from the burdening of our sins can be the most profound relief of all. Not only are we setting down a very heavy load, we are gaining access to our God. When Adam fell from grace, we were separated. With Christ’s death and resurrection, we are reunited.
Peace
When we were frightened as small children, we turned to our parents for security and peace. As adults, we know that other people can’t always take away our fears or give us peace. That doesn’t mean we have to remain fearful and insecure. God is there to grant us peace.
Love
God loves us enough to send His Son. His Son loves enough to suffer the cruel indignities that got Him nailed to a cross. He loves us enough to die for our sins so we don’t have to. God doesn’t hate us; He never has. God hates sin, not the sinner. That’s the best news any of us can hear, as He has given us a way to no longer bear the sins that keep us away from Him. We are *very* loved…no matter what.
Forgiveness
Because we are loved, we are forgiven. All we have to do is ask, and the blood of Christ covers our sins. It doesn’t matter what the sin is. Christ paid for them all.
Glory
Giving glory to God is a natural reaction to the joy, peace and love we are granted. We know that it is not coming from us or from other people. It’s a different kind of joy, peace and love…a kind not normally found in human nature. We may not always realize that we are expressing glory to God, but it shows in our actions. It is one of the things James meant when he wrote, “Without works, faith is quite dead.” (James 2:14-26) We *want* to do what is right and pleasing to God, and it brings glory to His name.
Truth
Pilate asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) In the secular world, there are many truths. Truth tends to be relative to the situation, person and/or culture. In Christianity, Christ is the Truth. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the light.” (John 14:6) He is the truth divine.
This is a powerful song. It is also one of my favorites. It reminds me that I am loved, forgiven and have peace of heart. It glorifies God and encourages me to reach out and love others. There may be weeping in the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)