Dear Friend,
This poem came to me years ago, while I was at the seashore for a personal retreat in Ocean City, New Jersey. I awoke early one morning, got dressed and walked the short distance to the boardwalk, arriving just as the sun was rising over the ocean. Moments later I sat down on a large rock near water’s edge; my eyes feasting on the never-ending waves crashing against the rocks along the shoreline.

The scene before my awestruck eyes was like a picture of God’s never-ending love, crashing through the walls of my barren heart. It wasn’t long before the words of this poem filled the pages of my journal, echoing the new found joy I had long awaited!

Joy in the morning,
How I welcome You,
Jesus, Sweet Rose of Sharon,
Joy of my life.

Joy at noontime,
Your presence always welcomed,
Giving strength from above.
Jesus, You are my Joy! 

Joy in the evening,
Your sweet presence lingers still,
While  I wait in silence,
You whisper, “Peace be still.”

Joy in the night,
Sweet communion with my Lord.
Darkness and light are alike to you.
Jesus, Joy of my nights! 

Joy of my Beloved, Your love is endless, filling the earth as the waters cover the sea. 
It just keeps coming, coming towards me.  This Joy, filling, and  infusing new life,
boundless and free. 

Weeping may endure for the night, 
but Joy comes in the morning. 
Psalm 30:5