Joy to the Heart

Joy to the Heart

Joy - Week three - Friday

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” Psalm 19:7-10



Ever wonder what a precept is? What are these precepts that give joy to the heart. The dictionary says that a precept is a principle that guides someone’s actions. Because of my work as an applied behavior therapist, I understand this concept very well. I frequently lay out principles to guide a child’s behavior. A great example is communication. A child with autism may not have any words and I come in and demand that they communicate their wants and needs…that if they want that train they are going to have to sign or talk or show me a picture to ask for it. They may weep and wail and gnash their teeth but in the end they get it and then suddenly they realize this is pretty cool because they can tell people what they want and need and they understand and they actually get it. And it doesn’t just bring them joy…those around them find great joy from these principles that are being followed. That is how God’s precepts are at times. We may argue with Him and fight with Him and then we resign to His ways and find that it was the right way all along and we were silly to battle Him. We find joy in following His precepts. Learn to trust His heart and His precepts and find the joy that comes from obedience.


Discussion Question


What does joy look like to you? What does it feel like? How do others know when you are experiencing joy?


Family Activity


Why not make some joyful luminaries to line your sidewalk or driveway? Using some paper lunch sacks, cut out designs on each side. You can have small children draw designs in yellow and older children or adults can cut out the designs. Put about an inch of sand in each one and set them along the sidewalk or driveway. Add a small votive cup and candle and light them. Add some sand or dry beans to the bottom to keep them upright. Be creative in how you can share the real joy of Christmas through this decoration.