It recently occurred to me that as a Christian, I am supposed to be showing joy. How bizarre is that?
A Christian showing joy? It says so right in scripture. Completely blew my mind away with the new revelation! I have seen a ton of Christians and no, haven't seen the joy.
While the above two paragraphs are somewhat said sarcastically and in jest, it has occurred to me personally that the joy of Christ has been missing from my life. God has really impressed on me that if I have faith in Him, then life should be joyful. I know what you are thinking-who has time for joy? That was my first question. Among the endless distractions and circumstantial disasters (so they seem at the moment), I find it hard to exhibit joy.
When I first began feeling this impression from God, I fought the implication that I had not been exhibiting joy. But as a long line of complainers and worriers, I realized God was right. Joy was missing. I was focusing on the bad stuff or forgetting all the stuff the God saved me from.
I decided to go on a mission. A mission of seeing God's joy in others during my day. Yes, most Christians don't show joy. But I also know you can find God's joy in everyday events and even in non-Christians.
I started my day happily enough with thoughts of spending a birthday gift card shopping. Who can't help but show joy when shopping. Well, actually, I can not show it when I have a three-year-old who I spend the time chasing and finish off the trip with bribery (but that is a whole other story). I was determined to experience and find joy so I set out. Here are some snippets of joy I found that day:
- Normally while shopping I would spend the time in fear and stress as I tried to keep my little one at my side. Instead, I couldn't help to laugh as we ran through the women's section. I lost her one time only to hear a whole clothing rack squeaking as it moved back and forth. I ran over and there my angel was underneath all the clothes standing on the rack. Three hours later we were out. So what if I was only able to buy one shirt during that time. Hearing my daughter laugh and play brought new joy.
- While in the store, I saw an older senior woman, most likely in her 70's. The woman was belting out the tune over the radio. I had never heard the song and most likely she was hard of hearing explaining her singing super loud. There was just something about hearing her so excited over a song. Joy was evident in her.
- I was driving home and had to wait as cars filed out of a local church. The church had just had a funeral and the cars were being escorted to the graveside service. Funerals are not normally a time that one thinks of joy. But as one car passed and I saw the couple talking, no doubt probably reminiscing of the one who had just passed, I saw joy.
- In front of me was a school bus. As the driver passed another bus, the two drivers began to wave eagerly to one another. Joy of friendship among co-workers were evident.
I would like to say that the rest of the day was just endless joy. It wasn't, life kicks in and doesn't go away. The trick I am learning is still showing joy in the midst of life. I have been convicted, through this process, that as a Christian I am failing God by not showing joy. So despite these little life upsets, I am thankful that God does provide joy all around me. I just have to look for it and keep my focus on God.
Thanks for letting me share! I would love to hear snippets of joy that you are experiencing, please leave them in the comments.
