She is represented by Whitespace Gallery in Atlanta and she currently teaches Painting and Drawing at Emory University.
What Joy
Sarah Emerson Lyrics
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The sea and all that is in it
Your promises remain
You give justice to the weak
You care for the widow and orphan
Forevermore You reign
What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord
Is Him alone
What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord
What peace, what peace for those whose comfort is
Is Him alone
You made the heavens and the earth
The sea and all that is in it
Your promises remain
You give justice to the weak
You care for the widow and orphan
Forevermore You reign
What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord
What peace, what peace for those whose comfort is
Is Him alone
What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord
What peace, what peace for those whose comfort is
Is Him alone
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
We sing, we sing, we sing
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, forever we will sing
Hallelujah, praises to the King
Hallelujah, forever we will sing
Hallelujah, praises to the King
Hallelujah, forever we will sing
Hallelujah, praises to our King
Hallelujah, forever we will sing
Hallelujah, praises to our King
Hallelujah
In "What Joy," Sarah Emerson celebrates the steadfastness of God's promises and the comfort and peace that comes from putting hope in Him alone. The lyrics focus on God's power and care for the vulnerable, referencing his creation of the heavens and the earth and his justice for the weak and care for widows and orphans. Emerson expresses a sense of awe and reverence for God's reign and the joy and peace that come from trusting in Him.
The repetition of the refrain "What joy, what peace for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord" emphasizes the idea that true happiness and tranquility can only come from putting trust in God. The use of the word "alone" in the line "for those whose comfort is/Is Him alone" reinforces this idea of total reliance on God.
Line by Line Meaning
You made the heavens and the earth
You're the creator of everything, from the vast expanse of the sky to every detail on the earth.
The sea and all that is in it
You're in control of the waters and everything that lives within them.
Your promises remain
Your word is true and always holds steadfast, never changing.
You give justice to the weak
You defend the helpless and vulnerable, fighting for justice and protection.
You care for the widow and orphan
You provide comfort and support to those who have lost their loved ones and have no one else to turn to.
Forevermore You reign
You are the one and only ruler of all we see and know and will continue to be forever.
What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord
How happy those will be who find their hope and trust in You.
What peace, what peace for those whose comfort is
Is Him alone
Those who rely on You for comfort and solace will find true peace and serenity.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Praises be to You, again and again.
We sing, we sing, we sing
We lift up our voices in celebration and thankfulness to You.
Hallelujah, forever we will sing
We will continue to sing and praise You for all eternity.
Hallelujah, praises to the King
Praises and adoration to You, our King.
Hallelujah, praises to our King
Again and again, we offer our songs of praise and worship to You who reign supreme.
Hallelujah
Praised be Your name, now and forever.
Contributed by Victoria D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sofianalwadda8838
Hallelujah! What Joy!!
@tranceemerson8325
this is my cousin. She rocks
@quitafine
What joy what joy.. Im in love with this song. Thank you Jesus for saving me and working through me.. But in all he's not done with me yet...
@therealSJ336
Bless Your Holy Name ChristJESUS
@mkl62
I am an ELCA Lutheran from South Carolina. Today (December 11, Advent 3), Psalm 146:5-10 was our Psalm of the Day. However, we did our second option and read aloud Luke 1:46b-55. The prophecy continues. Jesus is on his way into the world.
@jameshardie2438
Sweet tears of joy! A must to break the rust off of your praise to God!
@tkdance1540
This is one of the best modern day songs ever written...in my opinion.
@riyakk7009
Hi
@johnraeshorts5136
Hi
@joshuakim4216
A wonderful joyful praise letting us now that God is there for you to give joy and peace