Chris Tomlin’s version of ‘Joy To The World’ includes a new chorus added to the traditional carol:
‘Joy, unspeakable joy
An overflowing well, no tongue can tell.
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul, never lets me go.’
The joy God brings is not the same as happiness, which often depends on our circumstances or moods. It comes directly from God: Jesus promised His disciples His joy (John 17:13) and urged us to ask for this joy (John 16:24). Nehemiah reminded the people that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10). Joy can’t be manufactured, but like so many things in the Christian life can be received with gratitude.