The Highest Joy

If there was one word to describe Nils Frykman, it could have been “joy.” One profile described him as “The Joyous Christian Singer.” This word is present constantly in the music he wrote. This was the subject of “The Highest Joy,” a hymn he wrote in 1886 before leaving his native Sweden to immigrate to the U.S.

Here Frykman described how “the highest joy” was having God as a friend and to know His Word. He had such joy because the Word had restored his soul when it had been in deep despair. This Word “tells me of a love divine, how Jesus’ blood was shed.”

He had such joy because of Jesus’ love. And it would be his song throughout eternity, “when stars above shall shine no more” and “when pleasures of this world are o’er.” Today, and forever, we can find unlimited joy in Jesus, in our relationship with the Father, and in God’s Word.

The Bible reminds us that joy is central to the Christian life. Yet the world can act to sap us of that joy. Overwhelming us with burdens. Introducing reasons for fear and anxiety. Providing distractions.

But God’s Kingdom is not about tangible things but “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Roman 14:17). And joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), proof that Jesus really has changed our lives.

Is your life characterized by joy? If there is anything that blocks the flow of God’s joy in your life, bring it before Him. Don’t let the world bog you down. Let Him take away your burdens and give you peace. Let Him overwhelm you with forgiveness and freedom. That you can know His joy.