Intentional Joy

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice!  Philippians 4:4

---

Dear Friends in Christ,

So often, the hard things in life get all the press. Conflicts, disasters, wars, problems all get the headlines and interest. Even in our personal lives, our own conflicts, challenges and fears claim so much of our headspace, so much of our energy and attention. Some of that is good—we want to resolve those conflicts, relieve that suffering, find solutions to those problems. But as we work on making life better for others and ourselves, do we rejoice in the way God is at work ahead of us—sowing seeds of reconciliation, stirring compassion, raising courage, strengthening what is right? What would it look like to be intentionally joyful in God’s grace?

We sometimes think of emotions as things that happen to us, but we can be more intentional stewards of our mindset and outlook that feeds these feelings. We can cultivate a mindset that will see only darkness on the sunniest of days, or a mindset that is constantly aware of God’s lavish gifts to us each day. One of the reasons I enjoy the outdoors is the sheer beauty of the natural world. That beauty comes from no work of humanity. It comes from God and is a sign of God’s grace. Atoms do what atoms do (this too is a gift from God), but the beauty of it all—that is a gift of God’s extravagance! And that beauty that surrounds us is but a small sign of God’s grace, a small drop in the sea of God’s joy in which we can swim.

Joy comes from gratitude; joy can also come from the simple delight in who God is and how God loves. How will you look for God’s beauty and open yourself to God’s joy, regardless of all the other challenges of life? Our Lord came to us, willing to walk a road of suffering for us. Yet each day, he took joy in the faith of sick people, the curiosity of children, the boldness of Zachaeus, the stumbling discoveries of his disciples. What joys is God giving you today?

Yours in Christ,

-Tom