Oh, that our lives would brim to overflowing with songs of joy! That the God of peace and love would bring our hearts not only happiness but songs that burst from our mouths! That a season of harvest, not trial, could invade every corner of our lives. But it doesn’t work that way, does it? Have you ever heard of a farmer making a good living from fields that he didn’t plant? Harvesting mystery crops that just magically spring from the dark loam year after year, lush and plentiful? And so, our lives aren’t fairytales. We endure trial and sin and wait for the days of reconciliation and harvest, songs and joy.

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No, the farmer labors through sweat and tears, blight and drought. He works to produce what he harvests. God too has worked to produce a harvest, one that is eternal and transforms our lives. Yes, God does extraordinary things with our tears and mourning, especially when we grieve over our sin. Just as parents wait for children to turn from their wrongdoing, God longs for our obedience – for our own good. And when we’re finally ready to walk away from it, disgusted by its filth and the brokenness it brings, through tears of grief we run to his faithful, loving arms. Our tears of grief over sin quickly turn to tears of joy of salvation! They water seed we sow in the lives of others around us, and we expectantly watch and celebrate the transformation of self and others by his Spirit – the harvest.

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It’s no mistake that a book that speaks of so much trial and sin has an overall tone of triumph and joy. The Hebrew word tehillium, which the book of Psalms was originally named, means “praises”! God takes the grief and mistakes written in its pages, and through forgiveness and restoration, turns them to victory. Our grief, along with sin, is defeated! Whether it’s victory over death, sin, or heartbreak, God triumphs.  

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And guess what? He did it for you!

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He brings his name glory and brings our lives wholeness in every circumstance and every season – if we allow him to work in and through us.

Do you know the joy of salvation? Are you new to it or has it grown cold? Celebrate today what he’s done in you and for you! Ask for restoration of joy in your salvation (Ps. 51:12). Let this joy leave you abounding in hope (Rom. 15:13) that flows to those around you as you sow God’s goodness in their lives. Then, they will join in the singing! (Prov. 29:6).

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Have you overlooked God’s love in your life because of trial or harsh circumstances? Remembering his goodness doesn’t make them disappear, but it can remind us of things he has brought us through in the past, making it easier to trust him in what we are currently facing. Take time to remember his salvation, blessing, correction, and guidance. He’s done it before; he’ll do it again. And when he does, thank him, praise him, and share your testimony from a heart and mouth overflowing with joy!

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If you haven’t experienced this joy, won’t you accept salvation today? Lay down the things keeping you from a life filled with Jesus. Follow and love him and see if he won’t fill you with rejoicing and new life today.

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I will sing for joy in God,

Explode in praise from deep in my soul!

He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,

He outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,

As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.

For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,

and as a garden cascades with blossoms,

So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom

And puts praise on display before the nations. (Isa. 61:10-11, MSG)