I've got the joy well with my soul

So I was introduced to this song by PAGE CXVI called "Joy"

I don't know where else to listen to it other than their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/pagecxvi

Few songs give me chills like this one does. To be honest, the first time I listened, I almost didn't finish the song. It's just so depressing. To sing about joy when you're so obviously not joyful.

The second fruit of the spirit is joy. I haven't studied so deeply to know whether the order of the fruits of the spirit is particularly significant, but considering how love is the first, I thought perhaps I should at least make this note.

I know I very often talk about not being defeated but I think I utterly fail to convey what I mean. Therefore, let me tell you the story of Mr. Horatio G. Spafford.

Horatio G. Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer in the 1860's. He had a wife, four daughters, and a little boy. He owned a significant amount of real estate next to lake Michigan. And he supported his church and was good friends with his preacher D.L. Moody.

Unfortunately, in 1870, his only son caught scarlet fever and died at the age of four. A year later, in 1871, the great Chicago fire consumed all of his lake Michigan property. 2 years after that, Mr. Spafford decided his family needed a vacation. In addition, D.L. Moody was in need of assistance during his evangelistic work in Britain.

Just when as the family was about to leave from New York, Mr. Spafford was needed in Chicago for business. So as to not ruin the vacation, he insisted that his wife and four daughters continue on without him. On November 2nd 1873, Mr. Spafford's wife and children were in a horrible accident. Their ship, the Ville de Havre, collided with the Lochearm. Their ship sank in 12 minutes and 226 people were killed.

Nine days later, in Chicago, Mr. Spafford received a telegram from his wife that said "saved alone." His wife, Anna, recalled her four daughters clinging to her while on the deck of the sinking ship. Her last memory was of the violent waters taking her youngest from her arms. But by God's grace, some wreckage floated up from beneath her unconsious body and saved her life.

Mr. Spafford took the very next ship out of New York to meet with his wife. Upon passing over where his wife's ship likely sank, he was called to the deck. While floating over the 3 mile deep grave of his daughters, he returned to his cabin to write this

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Having joy doesn't mean you'll necessarily be happy all the time. Even the song that Page 116 transfers from states that the joy is "deep down in my heart." Joy is not just worn on the surface but is founded in the heart so that no matter what tragedy, what trial, what hardship you are never in despair because of the joy in your heart. And what joy there is! to not be held to the debt we would owe because of our sin! to be loved by greatest of beings!

Lately, everything in my life is awesome, but when tested, I want to be so strong. I want to be able to praise the Lord when I've lost everything. Though maybe I never will? Who knows.

I need to be sensitive to those who are having difficult times yet encourage them to have trust in a God who loves them. How difficult, but if I can, I won't let this world suffocate the joy that we ought to be founded on.

Now I'm rambling.... Anyone who reads probably notices that I can't end a blog with a succinct and clear point..... ever...... But thats how the flow of my thoughts go I suppose. Especially when it comes to spiritual things, I can't ever conclude a thought, they are just ever progressing (and hopefully maturing) understanding.

yes......

end....

joy