January 2, 2015 - The Joy of the Lord

January 2, 2015 - The Joy of the Lord
Ryan Scott

Psalm 33

I am mostly a person of even temperament. I just don’t get excited often, but there are a few things that bring me immense, almost uncontrollable joy. I love being outside in nature; hiking along the ridge of a high mountain, cool crisp air and not a soul in sight or sound, it just feels like I am all I was meant to be. I love a well turned phrase; whether a book or a movie, when words fit together so perfectly well it conveys something beautiful, something profound and deeply true.

Perhaps the most ordinary thing, though, is a slice of warm, fresh-made bread – the kind that is so perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, soft and hearty, the kind where adding butter would just ruin the pure delight. It’s because of this it makes perfect sense Christ calls himself the Bread of Life.

Bread may not be your thing, but I’m sure you have similar experiences that bring to mind a world made right. This, to me, is the definition of joy. As we continue our celebration of Christmas, it is imperative we spend time, lengthy time, basking in the joy of the Lord.

This Psalm is simply happy, but more than that, it is satisfied and expectant and joyful. There is a real awe for the might and power of the Lord, but also in God’s justice and compassion. It perfectly captures the spirit of the season, where, despite what is happening around us, somehow, in some way, all is right with the world – because God is with us. Emmanuel. Hallelujah.

Merry Christmas.


But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.