My Scrip of Joy

Sir Walter Raleigh wrote the poem ‘A Passionate Man’s Pilgrimage’ in 1618, the year he died. The themes in the first few lines, in many ways, sum up the key ingredients of our faith. This series considers these themes.

At the time the poem was written scrip, apparently referred to a scrap of paper, although Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary suggests that the word also referred to a small bag made of skin. Either way, it seems that Sir Walter Raleigh may be commenting on the amount of joy here on earth, as compared to, the everlasting and perpetual joy to be experienced in heaven.

Today let us consider the word joy together. There are over two hundred and forty references to joy in the Bible. In the Old Testament many of the verses refer to ‘shouts of joy’ (Psalm 118.15 NIV) or ‘sing songs of joy’(Psalm 126:2 NIV). In the New Testament there are various references to joy, including joy as a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22 NIV) and as a gift of the spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6 NIV)

• When you hear the word joy, what thoughts, feelings or images come into your mind?
• What promotes joy in your life?
• What hinders your experience of joy?
• What encourages you to sing or shout for joy?

Now read the following verses through slowly three times and then select a word, phrase or verse to ponder on. Allow God to speak to you, as you turn your chosen verse, over and over in your mind for a few minutes.

“You make known to me the path of life;you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy andI will give thanks to him in song. (Psalm 28:7 NIV)

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 14:17 NIV)

You may like to record your thoughts on joy and the way God spoke to you through your chosen word/phrase/verse in your journal.

Dorinda Miller

For over two decades Dorinda has offered various forms of spiritual accompaniment and spiritual direction. She has been a regular visitor at the Convent of the Holy Cross since 1980 and she has been leading Quiet Days and retreats across denominations both here in the UK, and overseas in the Middle East and Asia. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going for walks, pilates, and rug-making! Dorinda offers led meditations and reflections at her website which can be found at into-deeper-waters.com