Daily Devotionals
Monday, July 22, 2024 (Mary Ann)
Everyday joy
A couple weeks ago, a friend asked, “What does joy look like in everyday life?”
I didn’t have an answer then, but last week I got to see joy in real life.
First though ….
By “everyday,” I know my friend meant most everything we encounter regularly that isn’t all sunshiny blue skies. You all know it well; it’s real life. — health issues, monotony of daily chores, loss of loved ones, financial woes, relationship breakdowns, boredom, anxiety, over-packed schedules — the list is depressingly endless. Oh ya … and even though we wish we could, we can’t forget politics and global chaos!
Yet the Bible (James 1:2) tells us to “Count it all joy, my brothers (sisters!), when you meet trials of various kinds.”
Oh really?!? Maybe before we run to see if this is worded any more to our liking in other translations, we should consider what, exactly, is this thing called joy.
Or what it isn’t.
Clearly joy isn’t the same as happiness, otherwise everything in that list above would have us doing happy dances barefoot in the kitchen!
So let’s consider Job. Remember, he’s the guy in the Old Testament who was known as a blameless and upright man who feared God and turned away from evil. The Bible tells how satan went after him big time. First, Job’s oxen, donkeys and camels were stolen, his servants were killed, fire burned up his sheep and all of his children were killed. Then satan turned his sights on Job himself. Painful sores from head to foot, maybe lasting for months, during which time his “friends” lectured him on things he must have done wrong to deserve all this. Oh, and his wife recommended that he curse God and die.
There was no reason for Job to happy dance in his kitchen. Oh wait — he didn’t have a kitchen; his house had been destroyed too!
Instead, here’s what Job said: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and he shall stand at last on the earth. And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God …. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27
Happiness, you see, is a reaction to someTHING great — ice cream, vacations, shopping at Rachel’s. But joy is the product of someONE great — GOD — our trust in him and our assurance that his joy will be the source of our strength come what may.
Job never forgot who God is. Neither did our sweet Sister as evidenced last Monday night at Bible study. (See Paula’s post from last week.) I’m blessed to be one of her table-mates, and I was able to witness her rock-solid faith — and yes, joy — up close and amazing.
Update: two days ago I asked for her perspective on everyday joy. Here’s her answer. “Joy is knowing that God is there when I need him. He listens, He hears me. Right now He gives me the energy, strength and internal joy from the Holy Spirit to somehow keep going. In my good times and my bad times, I know He is there. This gives me joy. Even as I cry right now, I know I will be OK and will trust in God to help me navigate this new journey during this unpleasant season.”
Wow!
Now it’s your turn!
Your assignment (if you’re willing): In the comments, please share how you define joy. Or what joy looks like in your everyday life.
Looking forward to hearing from YOU! — Mary Ann
A couple weeks ago, a friend asked, “What does joy look like in everyday life?”
I didn’t have an answer then, but last week I got to see joy in real life.
First though ….
By “everyday,” I know my friend meant most everything we encounter regularly that isn’t all sunshiny blue skies. You all know it well; it’s real life. — health issues, monotony of daily chores, loss of loved ones, financial woes, relationship breakdowns, boredom, anxiety, over-packed schedules — the list is depressingly endless. Oh ya … and even though we wish we could, we can’t forget politics and global chaos!
Yet the Bible (James 1:2) tells us to “Count it all joy, my brothers (sisters!), when you meet trials of various kinds.”
Oh really?!? Maybe before we run to see if this is worded any more to our liking in other translations, we should consider what, exactly, is this thing called joy.
Or what it isn’t.
Clearly joy isn’t the same as happiness, otherwise everything in that list above would have us doing happy dances barefoot in the kitchen!
So let’s consider Job. Remember, he’s the guy in the Old Testament who was known as a blameless and upright man who feared God and turned away from evil. The Bible tells how satan went after him big time. First, Job’s oxen, donkeys and camels were stolen, his servants were killed, fire burned up his sheep and all of his children were killed. Then satan turned his sights on Job himself. Painful sores from head to foot, maybe lasting for months, during which time his “friends” lectured him on things he must have done wrong to deserve all this. Oh, and his wife recommended that he curse God and die.
There was no reason for Job to happy dance in his kitchen. Oh wait — he didn’t have a kitchen; his house had been destroyed too!
Instead, here’s what Job said: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and he shall stand at last on the earth. And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God …. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27
Happiness, you see, is a reaction to someTHING great — ice cream, vacations, shopping at Rachel’s. But joy is the product of someONE great — GOD — our trust in him and our assurance that his joy will be the source of our strength come what may.
Job never forgot who God is. Neither did our sweet Sister as evidenced last Monday night at Bible study. (See Paula’s post from last week.) I’m blessed to be one of her table-mates, and I was able to witness her rock-solid faith — and yes, joy — up close and amazing.
Update: two days ago I asked for her perspective on everyday joy. Here’s her answer. “Joy is knowing that God is there when I need him. He listens, He hears me. Right now He gives me the energy, strength and internal joy from the Holy Spirit to somehow keep going. In my good times and my bad times, I know He is there. This gives me joy. Even as I cry right now, I know I will be OK and will trust in God to help me navigate this new journey during this unpleasant season.”
Wow!
Now it’s your turn!
Your assignment (if you’re willing): In the comments, please share how you define joy. Or what joy looks like in your everyday life.
Looking forward to hearing from YOU! — Mary Ann
