Joy

Put this ice cream sundae in front of just about anybody and you'll see their face light up with anticipation and maybe even a little joy!  Joy is an emotion that Christians seem to fall short of in their day to day existence, and the reason I raise the thought is that somehow, in all of life, a Christian ought to be able to experience joy in their lives. 

Others ought to be able to experience it as well, for what I know of joy, it is only real when it is contagious.  It is something that fully engages the heart, and when we are truly joyful, it finds its way to the outside of our being.  Another way to say that is that if we are joyful, our face will know it.  Why isn't that the case?

I sometimes wonder if joy is a commodity we have become convinced is unattainable.  Maybe like the center of a archery target, or the pin on a green we'd love to get a hole in one on, but know better.  When joy is placed into the "unattainable " category, we miss its purpose in our life altogether.  When we become removed from joy, when it is but a goal and not something readily achieved, we miss what God intends for our lives.  God's gracious gift of salvation ought lift our hearts! 

Think about the last time you were knock down, dragged out joyful!  If you can't recall it, something might be wrong.  Dwell in the Father's Word a while.  Hear of the plans made for you since the beginning of time.  Recall the mighty deeds that God brings to bear on the human situation.  Remember that God has called you by name, and gifted you with the inheiritance of the Kingdom.  Let the Spirit dwell in you and let that joy be in your heart, replacing the gloom and doom scenarios so "socially correct" these days.  Listen to the liturgy- "Lift up your hearts." 

For me, it's not a case of something I ought to be experiencing occasionally.  It has to be a place I dwell, I reside in all of the time.  It speaks to my focus on what God has done in my life, how the grace and work of Jesus impacts my thoughts, and how the Holy Spirit provides clarity when I focus on the Word that God provides.  It's not that I serve an angry God, but a God of second chances.  So why the long face?

Joy is mentioned well over 200 times in Scripture. Live in it!

"Be joyful always."  1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV

(And for those who just gotta know- the sundae is from Wilson's in Door County, Wisconsin.)

Comments

[Susan Weaver]

Thanks for your encouragement!