Faithful on Fridays Blog

Many years ago someone told me that I was like a joybell ringing for the Lord and that word inevitably became my screen name: janjoybell. It sounded happy and lighthearted which was what I always strived to maintain. Our Hebrew word this week is samach, which means to brighten, cheer up, or make glad. Someone who has a sunny disposition, seems carefree, or unconcerned is samach.

When King David brought the ark, representing the Presence of God, to Jerusalem he experienced samach, as his heart was rejoicing (2 Sam. 6:12-15) and he danced before the Lord in response.

When the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem from captivity (Neh. 8:17) and finished rebuilding the wall around the Temple there was great rejoicing, samach; they were reunited with their God. The downhearted, depressed, and fearful people became lighthearted and full of appreciation for all God had done. That seems to be the key to this kind of joy; it’s all about Him. It was a difficult time, they had much opposition, but God had promised and they believed Him. That can be true for us as well; when God’s Word promises something you can rest assured He’ll fulfill it.

There’s a certain shine on the face of someone who’s experienced this kind of gladness; it’s reflected in their physical appearance.

… and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. Psalms 104:15

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Psalms 105:3

Samach isn’t based on your emotions but on the assurance of God’s Word and it’s contagious. People respond to your positive, faith-filled outlook, and realize their circumstances can take on a new, brighter spin. Zechariah, John the Baptizer’s father, was freaked out by an angel speaking God’s promise to him but his fear changed into samach,

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. Luke 1:14

The wise men experienced samach:

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10

Jesus brought gladness to those He touched and they appreciated Him,

As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen. Luke 19:37

Can you even imagine the change that took place in the Prodigal’s Father when the son returned?

It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found. Luke 15:32

No matter how your outward circumstances appear today, experience His joy in a new, brighter way. Your face will cheer up as your smile reappears, fear and concern will dissipate as you trust God again and that joy is your strength (Neh. 8:10).