vs 3 and 4 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful. vs. 13 then the maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

I know these verses are specifically for Israel – a hope in their time of exile, a look at a brighter future, but for the Christian this is the new life experienced after salvation. The darkness is gone, the hope renewed, the sin forever atoned. Anger, bondage to sin, and hopelessness are replaced by joy, gladness, comfort and the light of life in Christ. With this new life in Christ, we find ourselves among the joyful.