If we wait until life is exactly one hundred percent right before we can fully embrace joy, I fear we will wait a long time for a fulfilling life. The first thing we must acknowledge is that joy is a choice. Philippians 4:4 states it clearly: “Rejoice.” And if you think you misheard, Paul repeats: “Rejoice!” In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, he reiterates the command: “Always be joyful.” He follows this up with: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (v18).
So, if I were to ask you today how warmly your joy thermostat is set, I could just as easily ask, how much gratitude are you living with? Admittedly, there are many things we cannot be joyful about (not even should be joyful about—think of injustice or disasters, for example). But as the priest David Steindl-Rast rightly said, while we may not experience joy in every circumstance, we can experience gratitude in every situation. It is gratitude that provides the energy to live with joy. Or as Thomas Merton put it, those who do not live with a grateful heart will soon find much to complain about.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of linking joy and gratitude to favourable circumstances, despite the Bible teaching otherwise. The prophet Nehemiah encouraged a downtrodden people to begin living joyfully again, for “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8:10, 2020 translation). As David also prayed: “Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Ps 5:12).
Are you a joyful person today? Full of gratitude? Filled with joy?
PRAYER: Am I honest when I say that You alone are the source of my gratitude and joy, Lord?
ART: Ravenswood Guild
MUSIC:
Let’s watch the music video of Joshua na die Reën’s song “Die Groot Gees van Hemel en Aarde” featuring Tuks Camerata. The lyrics are available on the YouTube link, along with a beautiful note from him.