Been thinking about how many Christians lack joy. I see many people who aren’t necessarily church going people who tend to have more “joy” than those who attend weekly. I see many Christians focus on how unworthy they are – lack of devotional life, kids are a mess, life is tough, etc. And they dwell on these topics. It’s as if Christ has put a stranglehold on their lives and is forcing them to this life of servitude where joy is nonexistent. Perhaps self martyrdom. Or at least self victimization. I find it hard to think that this is how Christ wants us to live.
Now, admittedly, this is probably a Western culture issue. “Woe is me” as my SUV breaks down pulling the boat to the lake. We equate an overall “feeling”, better known as circumstances, with God’s working in our lives. Do I think God is concerned about my day-to-day? Sure! But, I think He’s more concerned about my reactions, my heart.
I preach to myself as much as anyone here. Do I have this joy? Or lack thereof? Do I dwell in the “how bad I am”? Or do I hold on to the hope, regardless of my circumstances? Or even regardless of the (perhaps poor!) decisions I have made?
Joy is a choice.
