Dorothy Norwood - I Still Have Joy Lyrics
Lyrics
Chorus
I still have joy; I still have joy!
After all the things I've been through,
I still have joy! (sing twice)
There were times in my life
when I felt I couldn't go on
But the Lord He blessed me and He made me strong.
I kept the faith and I held on through the night.
This is my testimony--that He made everything alright!
Chorus
I get joy when I think about all He's done for me.
He even broke the habits trying to conquer me.
Well, I spoke to the mountain; it ran down to the sea.
I can't begin to tell you what He's done for me!
Chorus
There are times in my life when I feel I can't go on,
But the Lord He blesses and He makes me strong.
I keep the faith and I hold on through the night.
This is my testimony--
that He'll make everything alright!
Chorus
After all the things I've been through,
I still have joy!
Video
"I Still Have Joy" (1992) Dorothy Norwood
Meaning & Inspiration
Dorothy Norwood's "I Still Have Joy," released in 1992, is a powerful declaration of enduring faith and the resilience of the human spirit, anchored firmly in the promises of God. The song doesn't just speak of hardship; it testifies to the victory found through unwavering trust in the divine. Norwood recounts moments where the weight of life felt unbearable, where pressing on seemed an impossible feat. Yet, in those very junctures, she found solace and strength, not from her own capabilities, but from the Lord's intervention. This resonates deeply with the scriptural assurance found in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and the constant reminder in Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The core message is one of profound gratitude, acknowledging that even when circumstances seemed insurmountable, God's grace was sufficient, leading to a blessed outcome.
The song's narrative moves beyond mere survival to active rejoicing, as Norwood expresses how contemplating God's past deeds fuels her present joy. She highlights the transformative power of divine intervention, citing how God broke habits that sought to control her. This speaks to the liberating power of Christ, as evidenced in John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Her bold assertion, "I spoke to the mountain; it ran down to the sea," is a vivid metaphor for faith in action, mirroring the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20: "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'" The repeated refrain, "I still have joy," after detailing these trials and triumphs, is not a facile optimism, but a hard-won, deeply ingrained certainty. It's a testament to a faith that understands tribulation as a pathway to a greater, more enduring joy, the kind described by Jesus himself in John 16:22: "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." "I Still Have Joy" is more than a song; it's a living testimony, an encouragement to all who face life's storms, reminding them that through faith in God, their joy can indeed remain.