Author Eugene Peterson has some very 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 from it.
So often we believe that joy is something that we must muster up for ourselves. Of course, we can't produce joy but how often do we fall for the lie that if we do something that makes us feel good (regardless of what God says about it) or if we obtain some new thing, we'll be joyous?
If we care at all about our relationship with God, living outside of His will won't bring a lasting joy.
And stuff can't make us happy. Stuff breaks down or wears out or fall apart. How much joy is there in all of that?
Where do we look for joy? Paul wrote to the Philippians: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Our joy is in Jesus. He puts the bounce in our step, the smile on our face, the joy in our hearts.
Listening to Him in His Word...speaking to Him in prayer...being in His house to receive His gifts...sharing His gifts with the people around us - that where joy is found.
We can't produce joy. Jesus gives it as one of His precious gifts.
Worship the Lord faithfully and serve His people lovingly. Watch and see if He doesn't fill your heart with joy overflowing!
