I recently called a friend who has endured more than his share of hardship and weariness. People dear to him, people he loves, have made choices that have caused themselves pain and brought him heartache. When my friend answered the phone, however, his voice was bright.
“How are you?” I asked. His answer was quick. “I’m actually doing great. I’m listening to an album from a rhythm and blues singer . . . and it’s impossible to listen to his music and feel sad.” I was glad to hear that my friend was doing well. I also knew that I needed to acquaint myself with this music that pushes away the dark clouds of sadness.
The truth is that there are seasons for us to learn to feel our sadness, and other times for us to learn the art of joy. It’s a reality we can embrace even in the midst of sorrow. Paul (writing from prison) instructed us to have joy “in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4). Joy comes from the deep confidence that no matter what trial, suffering, or evil we encounter, our God is with us and sustains us.
Joy doesn’t come because we’ve accomplished our goals or because circumstances have come out in our favor. Rather, true joy arises when we recognize that we are loved by God and held by Him. This is why Paul could say that he had learned to be content with whatever he had, because he trusted that God would always give him whatever he needed (Philippians 4:11).
Joy allows us to have the right measure of self-forgetfulness and a carefree playfulness, shaped by the truth that our life isn’t actually ours to maintain. When we grasp that our life is in God’s hands, we can find joy in every twist and turn. This must have been why C. S. Lewis referred to joy as “the serious business of heaven.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 4:1-29
More:
Read James 1:2-3 and consider why James concluded that trials can bring joy.
Next:
What has hindered you from experiencing joy this week? Why is joy such a powerful tool in dealing with life’s ups and downs?
Gary Shultz on July 9, 2016 at 6:53 am
Hi Winn, I know this may not be a big thing, but joy for me is usually always the second step. Of course it is a step, like your friend, where I want to get. Peace seems like the step before joy to me, not that it really makes much of a difference to the point of the lesson, I just need an extra step many times. Yes, joy is that clinging satisfaction that carries through the day when you’ve been with God. Thanks Winn
gagirllive on July 9, 2016 at 7:25 am
Winn, as you know, this has been a difficult week in our nation. I believe that, as followers of Christ, this can be our finest moment. We can be a people of great contradiction. In a chaotic world we can witness to the power of the gospel by the way we display the joy, peace, and contentment that is found in Jesus Christ. Like your friend, we can surprise those around us by our joy…by defying the negative circumstances in and around our lives with our confidence in God. For me, this is possible by remembering exactly what you’ve said here—that I’m loved by God and held by Him. I know that He is my Rock, and I will not be shaken because He holds me fast. Everyday I determine to renew my confidence in the Lord, and when I do, He truly makes me glad. Today’s devo is a great end to a difficult week—a timely reminder to rejoice always in our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ . Thanks, Winn!
alexaoj on July 9, 2016 at 8:14 am
Thank you Winn for this timely message. Life can deal out some highs and lows, but in it all the stiller of the storms still walks with us and encourages us to keep on going. Praying and trusting as we journey home. Colossians 3:1,2.