Encounter: The Joy Of The Lord Is Our Strength

For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. The Lord made the heavens; splendour and majesty are before Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling! (Adapted from 1 Chronicles 1: 25-27) The Music: The first movement of Torelli’s beautiful Trumpet Concerto in D (Etienne) Musicians: Anthony Thompson, (trumpet) Shirley Richards, Helen Rees, Julian Chang, Jo Garcia (strings), James Horsfall (keyboard) Lord, thank You that genuine fun and simple pleasures are a powerful antidote against all gloom and despondency. Thank You that even a smile can make such a difference. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Thank You, Lord, that a joyful church is a brilliant witness to outsiders. Grant us deep contentment, Lord, in simple things – and help us to remember the good things You send our way, every day. May the joy of the Lord be our strength.