The Never Ending Gifts

I’d read and heard that Christians are supposed to be filled with joy. So, after inviting Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, I waited years for joy to miraculously fall on me–possibly accompanied by an angel choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus. I waited for joy to happen to me, but it didn’t come.

Yes, in recent years I found a path to peace in Christ, but that’s not what I’m talking about. When I say joy, I mean that bubbling-up, bursting at the seams feeling that makes me wanna jump up and dance. That’s what I seem to be missing.

Recently, however, I noticed “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philip. 4:1) is a command—an action. Could it be that, instead of waiting for joy to come to me, I can initiate the joy process myself? If so, how?

For the next few months or more, I plan—God willing—to work on joy. If “rejoice” is an action, then I should be able to practice it. I’m tired of living in the doldrums. Spring is here and I’m ready to bloom.

How appropriate to start this joy journey today—Resurrection Sunday. At church this morning I felt my face squinch-up and tears fill my eyes as person after person walked to the front and across the stage to pledge their commitment to the living Jesus. It’s a strange kind of joy that brings tears. In fact, at first I didn’t recognize the feeling as joy. But I wasn’t sad. I was incredibly moved to see the people I care about reach out and embrace Jesus, knowing they now have access to his healing, strength, and life.

This morning, I got a taste of the emotionally abundant life God has for his children. But I want more. I invite you to join me on my quest for joy. Together, we’ll look at the scriptures and then see what God does.

What are your thoughts, experiences, and  questions on joy?