The late pastor and author, Eugene Peterson, was a provocative writer. I enjoyed digging into his books, often finding a nugget or three that gave me insight into the glorious grace of God.
I copied down in my journal some of Peterson's interesting observations regarding "joy." For example:
Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence...it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.
All suffering, all pain, all emptiness, all disappointment is seed; sow it in God and He will, finally, bring a crop of joy out of it.
The joy comes because God knows how to wipe away tears, and, in His resurrection work, create the smile of new life. Joy is what God gives, not what we work up.
So often we believe that joy is something that we must muster up for ourselves. We are led to believe that purchasing a new car or new clothes or season tickets for our favorite team will put a smile on our face and joy in our heart. Such joy, however, is fleeting; when the car breaks down or the clothes wear out or the team goes on a losing streak, our joy pretty much evaporates.
Instead, worship God faithfully, read the Scriptures daily and pray continually. Walk with God by faith and see if He won't fill your heart with joy this week!
