What's the big deal about JOY?

We all want joy. Joy, happiness, whatever we call it - we all want those pleasant emotions and that feeling of glad satisfaction. We not only all want it - we all seek it. Most of what we do all day every day is an attempt on some level to reach this goal. To replace the feelings of sadness, disappointment, fear, rejection, insecurity, loneliness, with more desirable ones. Gladness. Security. Acceptance. Contentment. JOY.

Yes, we all want it.

The great news is that we don't have to feel guilty about wanting to be happy!

Because that's what God wants, too!

In fact, He commands us several times to be joyful! One such occurrence in Scripture is Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice!

Why does He tell us that?

In no way do I suggest that I know all His reasons but I can find some answers in His Word. I have at least three of the reasons He commands us to be joyful. And I have some insight into how we can be joyful. But before I share those reasons, let me first be perfectly clear. YES God wants us to be happy. 

IN HIM

NOT by selfish, destructive, sinful ways.    

It's very important that we get that part straight.

Now for the reasons why we should be joyful:

1. JOY strengthens us                                                                                                            Seriously, being joyful is strengthening to us. That's what Nehemiah 8:10 (Do not be grieved for the joy of the Lord is your strength) means. Sadness, discouragement, despair - these drain us of strength. But when we have joy in the Lord, we are energized, stable, strong.

2. JOY secures us                                                                                                                          That is what Philippians 3:1 teaches us - Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same thing again is no trouble to me and it is a safeguard for you.  A safeguard.  Being joyful in Christ protects me - keeps me safe! Safe from what? From trying to find joy in anything else! When I full of the joy of Jesus, I am not tempted to find it in something that cannot bring lasting joy. Something that will instead result in grief and disappointment. Or even destruction. Rejoicing in the Lord secures me.

3. JOY splashes on others                                                                                                               We must not underestimate this benefit of joy. Our joy - or lack of it! - has a definite impact on those around us. In Philippians 2:17,18, Paul conveys this truth: But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. And you, too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.      Joy is not meant to be hoarded but rather to be shared! Joy is one of, if not THE, greatest evangelicals tools we have. When others see our joy, they are going to want some, too!  And it is also one of the greatest sources of encouragement in the church. Our brothers and sisters in Christ need for us to be joyful. We all benefit. Not that we can't or shouldn't ever grieve. That is not true at all. But even in the midst of grief and difficulties, it is possible to still have JOY IN THE LORD.

Joy in the Lord. Gladness of Who He is and what He has done for us. What He is doing in us. And what He will do in the future. Satisfaction in Christ. Contentment with His plans and purposes for our lives. Rejoicing. In Him. Always.

Burden or blessing? Part 2

Last week, we began our exploration into what the Bible calls the Old Testament Law. We saw that the term refers to broadly, the rules and regulations God gave His people through His servant Moses and recorded them in the books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. We discovered in His Word that God’s purpose in giving the Law was (is) to reveal His holy perfection, enable to us realize our utter imperfection and to ultimately lead us to see our need for salvation through Christ, God’s provision for our need.

So that is how we view the Law through the advantage of this point in history. But how did the people who received the law initially and lived under the burden of trying to keep it? Certainly that was frustrating - beyond that, did they resent the Law? Did they rebel out of that resentment and frustration and ultimately dismiss it?

The Old Testament tells us exactly the opposite. Let’s take a look…

Psalm 119:147,148 -I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words. My eyes anticipate the night watches that I may meditate on Thy word.

Psalm 119:165, 167: Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. My soul keeps Thy testimonies and I love them exceedingly!

Not only does the Old Testament express great love and value for the Law, it also extols its benefits. In addition to peace and stability mentioned above, this same chapter of Psalms lists other things gained through the Law:

Psalm 119:130 - The unfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 19 practically gushes about the wonderful things gained through the law: vs. 7-11 - The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by the, Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

One final thing I want to note about the view of the Law from the Old Testament lens:

God explains the goal of the Law in Leviticus 19:18. And from that, He shows that He never changes, is the same yesterday, today, and forever because Jesus tells us the same thing in Matthew 22:36-40. The goal of the Law, the greatest commandment, is that we would love God with our whole heart, soul and mind…and that we would love our neighbor as our own selves. THAT is what the Law is trying to shape us into!

And, further illustrating His consistent sameness, both the Old and the New Testament are clear about the only way this can be accomnplished:

Psalm 119:145, 146: I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord! I will observe Thy statutes. I cried to Thee; save me and I shall keep Thy testimonies. And in Romans 7:15-8:4, the apostle Paul wrestles with his desire to keep the Law and his utter inability to do so. He concludes Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did, sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh in order that the requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us who do no walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

The Law. Not a burden but rather a blessing. It reveals the perfection of Almighty God and our need for a Savior. It’s the only path for salvation…Jesus. His righteousness. His grace. His love. Compels us to obey.

Be happy - compilation

My friend Lisa suggested a list of all the tips.  I think she had a good idea so I did just that.  I feel pretty inadequate, laying these thoughts to you, in hopes they can be of some help or encouragement.  But I know from my own experience and  many of my friends that fighting depression and discouragement is indeed a real battle.  I wish I could believe it doesn't have to be fought in the lives of Christians but that is simply not reality.  We Christ-followers are indeed waging a costly war against this malady.  And, it brings me to tears as I recall some who never have found victory.  I believe we can, I know we can.  If you find yourself in such darkness that you cannot even find the faith to believe, then I will believe for you.  That's not unbiblical - see Luke 5:20.  Let me know how you're doing.  If you've been able to encourage someone else with a tip or two from here.  Or if you've been encouraged yourself. 

1. Check out possible physical problems (fatigue, hormones, illness)

2. Acknowledge God's command to be joyful

3. Don't blame others - accept responsibility for your own joy

4. Confess sin

5. Address systems errors (ways to do things better/more successfully)

6. Accept the unchangeables.

7. THE WORD - get in it.

8. Pray. And listen.

9. Talk to yourself - but be sure and preach the Truth!

10. Monitor music and media

11. Immerse yourself in God's creation

12. Don't go to the extreme of over-activity or of isolation.

13. Serve others.

14. Give Satan his due, but no more.  Focus on Christ.

15. Know you are loved.

16. Do something.

17. Be thankful.

18. Don't trust your feelings - trust the Truth.

19. It's not all about you - consider the effect you have on others.

20. Forgiveness

21. Use medicine sparingly, after you have tried the other strategies.

22.

Wait on the Lord.