I was once again reflecting on my time at Hume Lake, the first weekend of October, and came across my notes from the final session. It was about joy. Here are some of my favorite quotes about what joy is or does...
...makes the ordinary special
...takes the routine of life and makes it something new
This got me thinking and questioning my own joy. Do I find joy in the routine of life? Do I take pleasure in the mundane and the tedious? I'm not sure that I do. Most days I dread making lunches, cooking dinner, checking homework, doing laundry, grocery shopping, etc. These things don't make me happy. But, does that mean I can't find joy in them?
That, then, is the challenge. To find joy in everything.
But, can joy really be found? It certainly does not seem innate to these routine tasks or the circumstances of life. The speaker described joy this way:
Joy is evidence of God's presence in your life.
This joy should make us look different. It should make us distinct, unique and like no other.
Even when it is not well with your circumstances, it can be well with your soul. You can find joy in being a follower of Christ, no matter where you find yourself in life or even in the minutes of the day.
How is this possible? How do you live out joy practically, during the everyday tasks of life? There were two strategies the speaker mentioned.
The first, was to live with the "yet" in mind. In other words, as Habakkuk said, although things are falling apart around me, "...yet I will rejoice in the Lord." After all, He is the only constant, the only thing that remains despite your circumstances. And, He is ever-present. Even when I am struggling with what to make for dinner, He is with me. That alone should make me joyful.
The second, was to live with an eternal perspective. This life is not the end. While it is what we are able to see now, it is the unseen that should bring us joy. Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 4:18 "...For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."
But, even after writing all this, I still wonder how. How do I experience joy when I feel so overwhelmed? How do I show myself as distinct, when I feel so ordinary?
While taking a walk to clear my thoughts, I cried these questions out to God. Here was His answer: My child, it is a choice. Go to the rock.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:2
That rock, my friends, is Jesus. It is in Him alone that joy is found.
So, this was challenge for nearly 600 women, and my challenge to you...diligently and deliberately pursue joy.
I have told you these things so that you may be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow.
John 15:15
7 comments:
I so very much needed to read this today, Thank you so much for sharing!i can so easily be overwhelmed by sleepless nights, stress, and all the responsibilities, but my heart longs to be overwhelmed by Him instead. I want to choose joy.
Beautiful post! I found myself wishing I was at your retreat.
BTW..thanks for sharing the mug swap! I'm glad you're participating.
I am glad you posted this today. I needed this reminder. It's a choice indeed.
Joy is the presence of God in your life.. I LOVE that!
Loveeeee this! Perfect reminder to choose joy!
i painted a sign a year or two ago that says today I choose joy and while it sounds so simple it is hard and I forget many days even though I see it multiple times a day in my bathroom. thank you for the reminder!
How timely this message is... Thank you.
Post a Comment