When Tom Carlisle told his parents he didn’t want to attend his high school’s prom (formal dance), they understood. Tom is a young man with special needs, and he knew he wouldn’t be comfortable in that social setting.
So Tom’s parents contacted high school teacher Renne Wyman. She set in motion what would become the “Best Prom Ever”—an event for teens and adults with disabilities. Fifteen people attended that first event. The next prom had 80. Every year, the number increased with the most recent event having more than 900 in attendance!
Workers and volunteers echo a similar theme—joy! “You have to see it to believe it,” volunteer Skip Meyer emphasizes. “People can’t stop smiling.”
God ordained parties—festivals He called them—for His people to celebrate. One of those parties was called the Festival of Shelters. “You must celebrate this festival to honor the Lord your God,” Moses told the people. “This festival will be a time of great joy for all” (Deuteronomy 16:15).
How is it that God commanded joy? We can’t manufacture joy; it can only erupt spontaneously out of the depth of our being. Joy grows out of a life of giving and receiving, of loving and being loved. It’s the natural result of living as God designed us to live: working for Him, serving and caring for each other, laughing and crying together.
God’s instructions to His people were designed to enhance genuine community and make for a “happy time” (Deuteronomy 16:14). But joy doesn’t happen because of the party. The party happens because of the joy He gives.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 5:13–6:27
More:
In Revelation 19:4-9, the apostle John tells us that the end of time will culminate in a wedding feast. What does this tell us about God?
Next:
When was the last time you sensed real joy? What does it mean to experience God’s joy?
Gary Shultz on March 2, 2016 at 6:26 am
Tim, I enjoyed both of your articles today, but I’ll stick with “joy” here. I hate to bring a downer and I know we can still have “joy”; however we as a western civilization, have systematically rid / ripped God from our culture. We still have much to be thankful for, but when God is ushered out it is not “joy” that rushes. I don’t think this is a call to get in our bunkers, but to show others a “joy” that comes form the peace and presence of God. We as believers certainly should hold “joy” as a light stick of life. Thanks Tim……..grrrrrr
Tim Gustafson on March 2, 2016 at 7:45 am
Ha, Gary, this time I didn’t run. 🙂 Love your phrase, “joy as a light stick of life”! Great analogy about not hunkering down in our bunkers. This is our opportunity to show the world what really makes us different. As always, great hearing from you! We appreciate it.
gagirllive on March 2, 2016 at 7:23 am
Two verses come to mind as I think on this, Tim. Psalm 16:11 says that it is in His presence that we find fullness of joy, and Proverbs 15:15 says that the heart that is happy in God has a continual feast. I am experiencing both in my life these days. Up until this season of my life, I believe that a lot of the joy I thought I had was just circumstantial joy. I’m very thankful that God is working in my life in such a way to show me what real joy is. I read somewhere that the first duty of the day is to get one’s soul happy in God. That’s exactly what I do. You bring up a great point, Tim. All of scripture does indicate that God loves a party. I can hardly wait for that day when we are all sat down at table at the wedding feast of our Lamb! Greatest. Party. Ever. Thanks, Tim. This story makes me smile.
Tim Gustafson on March 2, 2016 at 7:49 am
Love the interaction with the psalms and proverbs! Isn’t it something how the Holy Spirit brings those to your mind! Thank you for these observations. I think so many of us confuse happiness with joy. Happiness depends on our circumstances; joy recognizes God in our circumstances, even when they’re awful.
Hey, I’ll plan on seeing you at His party! Thanks.
sdwise on March 2, 2016 at 8:44 am
I agree with the hymn writer, “This joy I have the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away!”
godlove on March 2, 2016 at 8:53 am
I like this line: “Happiness depends on our circumstances; joy recognizes God in our circumstances (even when they are awful)”. How I pray everyday that I may be able to fully experience the joy of the Lord without constantly worrying about my daily battle with sin. Thanks Tim. And nice comment as well from gagirllive, nice verses to note.
Tim Gustafson on March 2, 2016 at 9:18 am
I’m with you! It’s so daily, isn’t it? Perhaps that’s why Jesus said, “Take up your cross daily …” Have a blessed day!
sandy229 on March 2, 2016 at 9:58 am
Without God, there is not real joy! Thanks Tim for both articles you posted today!! It was a pure joy to read them both! I am so blessed!!
Tim Gustafson on March 2, 2016 at 10:00 am
I appreciate that, Sandy! It was a joy and a challenge to write them. We are blessed together.