centre of unbroken praise {a song diary}

i love it when old songs, songs you've sung for years without any awareness of their weight, suddenly hit you.
this is one of those.
it is being in the "centre of unbroken praise" that one really does find Joy. find unending pleasure. find eternity.

Joyful, Joyful we adore thee; God of glory, Lord of love; 
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee;
Opening to the sun above; Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness;
Fill us with the light of day.

All thy works with joy surround thee; Earth and heaven reflect thy rays;
Stars and angels sing around thee; Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, wind and mountain; Flowery meadows, flashing seas;
Singing bird and flowing fountain; Call us to rejoice in thee

We sing in jubilation; Adoration to a joyful king;
You are spinning and you are singing; Zealous love over all your children

I've got the joy, I've got the joy, I've got the joy (repeat)

Mortals join the mighty chorus; Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o'er us; Brother love binds man to man;

Ever singing, march we onward; Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us Sonward; In the triumph song of life.

In the presence of God there is fullness of Joy; At Your right hand Oh God
There are pleasures evermore;