Hard times to be happy, aren’t they? COVID: the deaths and shutdowns. Partisan politics: the strife and putdowns. Economic difficulties: job loss and uncertainty. And more. But perhaps we’re seeking solace in the wrong spot. Happiness derives from what’s happening: good times make us happy, bad make us sad. And these times qualify as bad, in so many ways. So, as we prepare for Christmas, let’s change our focus from happiness to…joy. In our short series on crafting our lives to allow Jesus to show up, joy is the second dimension of the fruit of the Spirit.
Let’s define it as a deep-seated contentment that transcends what’s happening because we have the presence of a loving and powerful and personal God in our lives. Here’s one example, “I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:8, 11).
A few years ago for my first book I researched joy, and never found a verse telling us HOW to choose joy, just to DO it. But I need help, so allow me to suggest three tips to cultivate the joy that opens our lives to God.
First, be continually aware of his presence in us, all the time, even when we don’t feel it. Isn’t GOD much more good than the hard times are bad? So we tweak our focus away from the bad to God. And as we do, our second aspect is to focus on the fact that ultimately, God wins. COVID will take some rounds. Satan will win some battles. But the message of Revelation is very simply, “God wins.” That more than balances the hard times. Third, keep in mind, hard times make us strong.
Jesus’ brother James started his letter in a strange way, especially for his times of persecution, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
We can face the worst of times with joy, knowing that trials are the crucible that refines our faith and souls. So, we have God’s presence, we’re on the winning team, and we grow. Sounds like three good reasons to live joy.
Adventing Part Two
Think of some times you responded to hard times with unhappiness. What spiritual benefit did you experience? Think of some times when you chose joy. What spiritual benefit did you experience? What one or two acts can you do to increase your joy before Christmas?