Last Sunday at church, my pastor started a new sermon series on Joy, and we ran with that theme last night at bible study.
He kicked off the study with a song - a remake of an old Christian 'classic' called
'I've got the Joy (Down in my Heart)'. Here's this new version that he played.
The group's reaction to the song was mixed: some said it made them want to cry. Others said they wanted to cut their wrists. (Personally, if anything was going to drive me to find relief in pain, it would be the original version, made famous by Sunday schools everywhere, and infamous by Rod and Todd Flanders on The Simpsons.)
I, on the other hand, loved it. It did make me want to cry, but in a cathartic way, because it seemed to articulate my own experience of Joy that the Bible talks about.
It's easy to have joy and rejoice in the good times, but there are many instances where the Bible speaks of Joy in the context of suffering. Despite trying times, Christians throughout the ages have rejoiced in God.
For many years, hampered in no small way by my own struggles with depression and other things, I doubted my identity in Christ, my assurance of Salvation as a Christian, because I never 'felt' this overwhelming joy that seemed to be a staple in the lives of other Christians. I understood the gospel, I understood that I had been rescued from my sin by Jesus, and that I was awaiting a grand inheritance in the life to come (Ephesians 1-2), but any positive feelings were often suppressed by my own experiences. Did this mean I hadn't really 'gotten' the gospel, and something was missing in me as a Christian?
Looking at this song, I think it clearly paints the message I am trying to remember every day. The writer has taken the original lyrics and melody which still hold their original meaning, but by placing them in a more solemn and harrowing harmonic context, we can re-examine and understand the lyrics in a whole new way. And gain an amazing appreciation for them as we do so!
The lyrics represent the truth of the Gospel. The harmonic context (of both versions of the song) represent one's circumstances: either bright and happy, or difficult and driving to despair.
The great thing is that no matter our circumstances, the truth of the Gospel and our assurance of salvation in Christ remain unchanged - and these give us reason to hope.
Who Jesus is, and who we are in Him, give us reason to have joy, and rejoice. Even if it takes all our strength to utter such simple words.
Because sometimes it does. And that's ok. God understands, and He loves us all the same. SG
I would love to hear others' thoughts about this song. Leave them in the comments below.
21 comments:
His voice irritates me for some reason but I like the song. I have no problems with the original either!
As you say, he does indeed sound like he knows (and needs to tell himself) his joy is still there, somewhere, but it isn't tangible to him at present. It's not something I would play a second time though.
There was a time when I would have listened to this song many times, and I'm sure there will be times when I will be tempted to listen to such a song again, but I believe it is a self-indulgent thing to do. While it is a good expression of his experience, it will not help when you're looking for that joy yourself. Listening to that sort of song when you're in the same frame of mind as the singer is a way of wallowing in your own feelings. I've been there, too.
I think that is why people have reacted differently to the song. If you are joyful, the song definitely does not make you feel more so. It makes you feel worse. If you already feel down, you may have a greater appreciation for the song, but it will still not make you feel any better. Again, while it is educational, it is otherwise not beneficial and I would encourage anyone in that frame of mind to listen to uplifting music (and read the Scriptures, of course). That is if they really do want to find the joy.
Thanks for your comments, ladies. Just FYI, it's actually a woman singing, although I thought she was a guy when I first heard the song.
Depth Harmony, I have to ask - who are you?? I have an nagging idea, since you mention I'll "next see [you]", but I'm not 100% sure. Either way, I'm interested in this FJS of yours - what's an FJS?
Rachel, perhaps some truth in your remarks about self-indulgence, though for those of us who find it difficult to express and release emotion, I think music like this can still serve as a useful vessel. Speaking personally, music has a way of cutting through to me and putting me in touch with my emotions the way nothing else seems to. I don't think it's self-indulgent to acknowledge one's grief. If nothing else, darkness makes the stars shine brighter.
I totally agree. The song is kind of ironic really, because it sounds so depressing. But I like it. I think biblical joy is a knowledge, and a foundation, not an emotion, so you might not feel like dancing around and getting all happy clappy, but you know, in the midst of suffering that 'it is well with my soul.'
DH, no neither upset nor offended. As you say, loving correction from a friend can hurt sometimes, but I'm big enough to realise that and take your remarks in the manner you're intending them (difficult though, as I still can't figure out who you are, haha).
The only thought I would share is that I have found your comments and advice (in this and other posts) to seem a little simplistic? Perhaps it's just the shroud hanging over my mind, or my personality, but the 'easier said than done' response has come to my mind a lot.
Still, that doesn't replace actually giving your advice a go. You care and are gracious enough to give advice - many others would not - and for that I am thankful.
Xo.
Thanks, DH.
I hope my use of the word 'simplistic' didn't make it sound like I was calling you simple-minded! Certainly not my intention! :)
It made me want to cry, too! There is something particularly beautiful and God-honouring in those who recognise joy amidst suffering.
I've been reading the astonishing book, 'Tortured for Christ'. This song seemed to express and help make sense of the experiences the book describes.
Thanks for your encouragement, Scott. I praise God for the blessing your are to this world.
Mate, read this entry and some others, not sure what the pastor's preaching is like but it's NOT HELPFUL NOR EFFECTIVE when his playing leads people to wanting to cut their wrist or crying in cathartic way, effectiveness is the measure of truth.
Joy & pleasure r different things, Joy is Gratitude...
Why r u repeating similar way of thinking in these entries?
Look, r u sure u r getting effective/productive assistance?
You need some proven methods to help yourself, divine worship is fine but there's common sense and reasoning too?
You warned readers of 'cynicism ahead', are u like knows the price of everything and the value of nothing cos that's what a cynic is.
Sounds like self-fulfilling prophecy about the 'perpetual ignorance' part,
Ignorance is not bad it's there to light the way to venture out & seek out how others live and understand life & faith & growth.
The perpetual part sounds like u r echoeing yourself in these entries.
The myth of Echoe falling in love with Narcissus rings pretty true in your blog-metaphorically.
Rest assured, I will not bother u anymore :)
shroud hanging over my mind=same thought process down the beaten track, or my personality=p***ive agg**sive
"I don't think it's self-indulgent to acknowledge one's grief. If nothing else, darkness makes the stars shine brighter"-true, Do u think that God need you to ignite like a star (with your own generative power)?? in the darkness in this life? so why spend your life (in limbo-perhaps) gazing at the stars? I'd rather be the warmth & heat that lights up this world and help others find their light...when the last day arrives I'd know that I spent every single minutes of my life well & worthy^_^. So go and generate your power now! before its...
A humanistic approach to Christianity:
The evil in this world is the result of human actions, and so human beings are responsible for putting things right.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/unitarianism/history/history.shtml
Hope prevails...only through self-action.
Hmm...
Sorry it's taken me a while to get to this - I've been meaning to.
This is the writer's commentary on the song, so perhaps she may better articulate what I was trying to. Have a read:
http://blog.pagecxvi.com/post/683764188/joy
And Michael Milton, welcome to my blog - thanks for your comments. I think I see where you're coming from with most of what you're saying, and your suggestions are things I have engaged with in the past.
Nevertheless, I think we all have different ways of looking at the world, and while we need to work hard to redeem what's good, I think a little cynicism and realism can be helpful.
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