Discipline and joy - that is an incongruous linkage of words. In our Weds. Bible Study, we are studying John Ortberg's Life You've Always Wanted. The first discipline he writes about is celebration, practicing the habit of joy! I must be honest and admit (confess is probably a better word) that I am the "Chief Drudge" and that I do not celebrate well. That is not a good thing. Christianity is to be characterized by incredible joy, among other things. Ortberg challenged me by pointing out some key truths.
First is this-- God is joyful! That was a new idea for me. God is love, yes. God is holy, of course. God is good, always. But, God is joyful? Think about it. When He created, how did He summarize His work? "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good!" He was delighted by His creativity. Isaiah uses a great metaphor about God's joy -- "as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5, NIV) God is as giddy about loving us as a young man is about his new wife!
Second -- Jesus' goal was to give us 'abundant life' that we might 'share the full measure of His joy.' Jesus laughed! I know it's much more common for us to think of Him as a suffering Savior, but between the lines, we see a joyful Man. Children liked him, sought Him out. Kids don't climb onto the laps of cranky guys! Buried in His teaching are remarks designed to spark laughter. We don't always 'get it' because of the gap in culture and time, but they are there. He poked fun at the Pharisees who were so scrupulous about external holiness. His audience probably roared when He said, "you strain the gnats out of your drinks but swallow camels."
Third -- Paul commands us to rejoice! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NIV) If joy were simply the result of uncontrollable circumstances as many of us think, then this command would be unfair or impossible. Joy is a choice for the Believer, regardless of the 'happiness content' of the day.
So, how do we practice joyfulness? Ortberg suggests 7 things...
1. Begin NOW! Stop waiting for joy to make it's way to you, or waiting for something you hope for to happen. Believe what the Word declares, that "This is the day the LORD has made" ... and when you believe that... then go on to the next step..."let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, NIV)
2. Find a 'joy' mentor. Experiencing joy is a learned response. Griping and complaining comes naturally to the sinful nature. So let somebody who's grasped the joy of the Lord coach you.
3. Set aside a day a week to celebrate. It's not BAD to have pleasurable experiences. Eat ice cream! In moderation, it won't hurt you a bit. Revel in beauty. It is a gift to appreciate a sunset, a work of art, a musical composition. So, make sure you celebrate regularly to break out of the monotony of life.
4. Unplug from the steady stream of 'bad news' from the world for a week. Depression is an epidemic among us. Might it be because we are trying to deal with the ugliness, the sin, the suffering of the whole world everyday? Those 24/7 news channels might keep you informed, but they may also be a great hindrance to joy as you find yourself confronted with terror, tragedy, and woe from the four corners of the earth.
5. Discipline your mind to see life from the Biblical perspective. Today is not IT! You and I are not all that we will ever be. Change is happening, that is the assurance of the Word. "...we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. " (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message) Not happy with who you are, what you're like today? Work with God and He'll change you. And live 'eschatologically' with an eye to the coming Kingdom! That will keep the disappointment and sorrows of this day from overwhelming you.
6. Pray for the fruit of the Holy Spirit (the evidence of His life) to be created in you. What is that fruit? "Love, JOY...." Yes, second on the list is JOY! "Oh, God, teach me to celebrate, to live joyfully, because You live in me."
7. Practice joyfulness. Yes, when you hear yourself joining in with complaining, when you're chafing against situations, when you are ungrateful- make a choice, by the power of the Spirit, to go in a different direction. Look up, not down. Speak with faith, not from fear. Thank God for what He's given you, instead of complaining about what you perceive that you lack.
"Lord, thank you for being You and for being Joyful over us.
Wherever we are, in whatever state we find ourselves today,
may our response to you be gratefulness for your faithfulness.
When our hearts are broken by real suffering, by hurt visited on us by cruel people,
heal us and hold us close.
When we are selfish, touchy, and full of irritability -
convict us and help us to listen when you say, "Get your heart right!"
Do the work of transformation in us, so that the
joy of the Lord will be evident in us.
In this you will be honored and the world will know
that we are people of faith.
Jesus, we pray this in your holy name.
Amen."
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