When Dave and I were first married, we volunteered helping with the youth group in our church. One Wednesday evening, we were late for Bible study. Dave attempted to make up for our tardiness by practicing his Indy 500 driving skills. At my best, that would not have amused me. This particular evening, I was very pregnant with our second child. To say that I arrived at Bible study in less than cheerful spirits is an understatement.

We quietly joined the group; they had already started singing. I could hardly believe what I encountered. EVERY SINGLE SONG TALKED ABOUT JOY AND HAPPINESS.

We sang “I have the joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” And “If you’re happy and you know it!” and “Put on the garment of praise” and every other song we knew that mentioned cheerfulness. I grudgingly joined in the singing and… you guessed it. By the end, my joy had returned.

Sometimes moving from the glumps to cheer is as simple as singing a few songs. Like Isaiah the prophet said:

³To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3

May your week end with a burst of joy and praise, full of hope! May your weekend by filled with God moments, not only at your worship service, but in every way!