The Discipline of Joy
“Rejoice always” 1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
“But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.” Isaiah 65:18
“Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Psalm 35:27
There are plenty more passages of scripture commanding us to be joyful. Of course as LeVar Burton would say in the old Reading Rainbow TV show “You don’t have to take my word for it.” Look it up!.
I share this because as I continue sharing messages themed toward choosing joy in the day to day, I feel it necessary to bring up this point: we choose joy not just because it obviously feels better than misery, but because God commanded us to rejoice! Aiming to yield our heart and mind toward the goodness of God is an act of obedience.
For some people, it may seem ridiculous that I would say these things. Perhaps it comes easy to just be happy. If this is you, I am truly glad! Many others, however, including myself, would tell you that joy does not always come easy. Sometimes we must fight for it because joy is not merely a fleeting feeling but a reverent choice of attitude that we carry within and around us. It is a testimony to the believer whose focus is set on eternity with Jesus Christ.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
Joy is my favorite discipline. If nothing else, I am speaking the truth of hope to myself over and over because I get it. Life can be hard. This world is full of darkness and misery but I don’t want any of us basking in that!
I have had my struggles with mild depression, anxiety and insecurity in some form or another in various seasons. (That postpartum window about got me, yall!) We as human beings are capable of being quite viscous self-critics. But God has given us victory! There is freedom available. I know because I have experienced it. Does that mean I don’t face the temptation of negative thinking or self talk? Do I have a life full of only perfect experiences to remember? Does it mean that I never look into the spiraling anxiety that has proven its ability to cripple me? No. Satan will probably try to dangle that bait in front of my face again because I have surrendered to it too many times before. The Word of God gives strength, though, to recognize the bait and call on the Lord to help so that we can clearly see all the beauty and blessings that He has laid around us and celebrate! God. Is. Good!
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Don’t forget who is king. Don’t forget that King chose you and fights for you. Choose Him! He is worthy of our rejoicing! Come and see for yourself.