Joy

Show Me the Way to Joy

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Seize my sorrow, living God.

Heal my wounds.

Draw me to your table.

In my weakness and grief, Holy Spirit intercede,

for on my own strength, I’m not able.

Why, oh why, oh God, are beautiful hearts struck down?

What do we do with the life left over?

Would you add it to my own? Sometimes I’d rather go home.

So here we are, God. Where do we go from here?

Show me the way to joy.

when I can’t see it from where I am.

Show me the way to joy.

I want to find it, but I’m not sure I can.

Show me the way to joy,

along with the rest of the weary.

I’m trusting your word

to show me the way to joy.

Despite me, my heart’s still beating.

Despite me, my heart’s still beating.

And the sun you made, like an old window shade,

rolls up out of the East and warms me.

You gotta crawl before you walk.

You gotta walk before you dance.

You gotta crawl before you walk, they say.

You gotta crawl before you walk,

so God, let’s you and me have a talk.

Today I’ve decided to live, so will you help me take the next step forward?

I’m unsteady, but I’ve decided to trust you.

Show me the way to joy,

when I can’t see it from where I am.

Show me the way to joy,

I want to find it, but I’m not sure I can.

Show me the way to joy,

along with the rest of the weary.

I’m trusting your word

to show me the way to joy.

Now I’m starting to feel alive.

Though you defeated death, it’s not always easy to believe.

Can I take hold of what I can’t see with my two eyes?

Can faith teach my heart to perceive?

Show me the way to joy,

when I can’t see it from where I am.

Show me the way to joy,

I want to find it, but I’m not sure I can.

Show me the way to joy,

along with the rest of the weary.

I’m trusting your word

to show me the way to joy.

I’m finding the way to joy.

©Joel Tipple
#8/15

Allergic Reaction

Sandra walked into the living room, where her mother was relaxing in a corner chair, reading. “Mom, what’s up with Dad?” she asked. Looking up, Sandra’s mother replied, “Why do you ask, Sandra?” “Well, he’s at his desk, writing. He seems upset.” “Oh, he’s fine. It’s probably just his allergies,” she replied, the corners of her mouth turned up a little. Sandra drew her eyes together in a frown. “What’s he allergic to?” At this her mother’s smile broadened and she chuckled before answering… “Your father says he’s allergic to ‘happy… and sad.'” she replied.

©Joel Tipple
#2/15

Tears

People underestimate the value of tears.
It takes more than sun to make the flowers grow.
Tears wash away disappointment and brighten the corners of smiles,
give reflection to fears and season our years.
Swim in or run through them but don’t forget to exercise your tears.

©Joel Tipple
#39/14

it’s not for me

my gift is not for me
not for that empty spot on my trophy shelf
not to keep me company
when i’m lonely

it’s not for holding so tight it’s crushed and ugly
or for hiding in a closet where it gets musty and moldy

it’s for fitting together with all the rest
as though part of a body Lego
forming as one to function
as our God surely knows best

it doesn’t puff out its chest or compare itself
showing the bitter side of pride
it doesn’t waste much time in the mirror
asking its reflection why

the better part of each day it spends
in deepest gratitude
looking forward to each turn of the road
as it winds and wends

© Joel Tipple
#24/14

Joyful Service

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Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Psalm 100:2 ESV

Sweet Lord, my king,
of your truth and mercy I will sing.
From the moment I awake
until my eyes close at night
I will praise you.

I will write of your loving-kindness, Father.
The sun does not shine without you.
The rain doesn’t fall
and the earth is not nourished.

Joy flows within me
like salvation’s river.
Your praises I sing,
and I can barely contain.
Heaven’s music rings,
and my walk with you
is not in vain.
No, never in vain.

© Joel Tipple
383

Fair Weather?

Okay, so it isn’t fair.
But it’s no reason not to share.
I’m feeling ebullient,
so there.

God blessed us with sun
in November.
So to be thankful for
it’s just one thing more
and I’ll pray for those
on challenging shores.

© Joel Tipple
349

Anniversary

Lori

we’re sail-a-brating
our
anniversary
using that
system
of counting daze
oceans of memories between us
how can we count
the waves?
that have washed through
our story
written in the sand
beach ya we can
make more
walking hand in hand

endless ditties
won’t express my
true emotions
words won’t

so I’ll stop versing now love
to see you
and hold this moment

Your Tears

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Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
sideways to the sheet
I much prefer the way they trace
lines of joy upon your face
round where those groups of freckles meet

Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
frightened in alarm
I’d really rather see them well
to see a child saved from harm

Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
trying to bear the pain
I think I’d like to see them mix
with a refreshing summer rain

Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
so if a mere man has any say
if God wills no more days of sadness play
please tears of joy fill her days
and make the rest of those tears fall that way

© Joel Tipple

Inheritance

Photo by Urban Wall Art & Murals
Image courtesy of Urban Wall Art & Murals

the inheritance of
the joy of the Lord
is of the forever kind
a true joy and gift
not earned by effort
or indeed birthright

freely given
though dearly bought
by the King
above all kings
the One who causes
my countenance to glow
and my heart to sing