Rend Collective - Joy of the Lord Lyrics

Joy of the Lord

Joy of the Lord Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Rend Collective's song, "Joy of the Lord," is a powerful declaration of faith rooted in finding strength in God amidst life's challenges. The lyrics immediately establish a theme of steadfast devotion despite adversity, opening with the resolve that even through tears and a failing heart, praise will rise. This foundational sentiment highlights a worship that is not contingent upon comfortable circumstances but is a deliberate act of will and trust directed towards God. It underscores the commitment to praise "While there's breath in my lungs," signifying a lifelong dedication.

The song continues to explore this contrast, moving from emotional pain to physical or situational darkness. "In the dead of night I'll lift my eyes" and "Though the waters rise I'll lift my eyes to You" paint vivid pictures of difficult, perhaps overwhelming, circumstances. Yet, the response remains the same: lifting eyes to God. This action symbolizes seeking divine perspective and help when surrounded by darkness and potential danger. The lyrics affirm that this resilience stems from inner conviction, declaring, "While there's hope in this heart, I will praise You Lord," connecting hope directly to the ability to praise.

The core message of the song is powerfully articulated in the chorus: "The joy of the Lord is my strength." This declaration serves as the anchor, providing the theological basis for the resilience expressed in the verses. It asserts that joy derived from one's relationship with God is not merely an emotion but a source of enduring strength that enables one to face difficult times. The lines "In the darkness I'll dance, In the shadows I'll sing" vividly portray this strength, depicting worship and celebration continuing even in the absence of physical light or comfort, driven by an inner joy.

Further verses delve into the nature of faith when God's presence isn't immediately perceivable. "When I cannot see You with my eyes, Let faith arise to You" and "When I cannot feel Your hand in mine, Let faith arise to You" acknowledge moments of doubt or perceived distance. The response is a conscious decision to activate faith, letting it rise towards God. This section introduces God as the "God of mercy and love," providing character attributes that inspire continued praise even when feelings waver. The lyrics then pivot to experiencing God's presence, describing how His glory brings life and feeling "alive with You," reinforcing that being in His presence is a source of strength.

The bridge expands on God's protective and empowering role. It acknowledges the inevitability of sorrow but declares God as a "shield around me" and the source of "courage in the fight." The imagery shifts to actively responding to God's call, referencing Peter walking on water with "Walking on the waves, Reaching for Your light." This depicts an active, faith-filled step towards Jesus even in perilous circumstances, demonstrating the courage and strength derived from God that enables believers to do the seemingly impossible. The release of the official music video for the song on August 21, 2015, provided a visual dimension to these themes, allowing the message to connect with a wider audience through dynamic performance and imagery. The song's message aligns with various biblical themes, notably Nehemiah 8:10, which states, "the joy of the Lord is your strength." The act of lifting eyes echoes Psalm 121:1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord." The concept of God as a shield is found in Psalm 3:3, "But you, Lord, are a shield around me." The courage to step out in faith, even onto waves, mirrors the account in Matthew 14:22-33. "Joy of the Lord" ultimately offers an uplifting and biblically grounded perspective on finding divine strength and maintaining praise through all seasons of life.