Everyday Joy

       Have you ever thought about the things that bring you joy?  Some would immediately answer grandchildren, while others may say getting a compliment or taking a bubble bath!  Personally, I do take great joy in my grandchildren, but there is also remarkable joy in giving a hug or compliment; sharing a smile with a stranger and seeing the smile returned; saying I love you; sunshine and conversely a horrible, cloudy, rainy, curl up by the fire kind of day; holding a baby or smelling a flower; even taking a detour!  This list can go on and on!  Much of it has to do with perspective!  ….kind of whether you see your cup half full or half empty! 

       I think a lot about the coming Rapture of the church.  It will be a time of indescribable and unbelievable joy for all believers.  Yet, while we live here on Earth, I wonder about the joy we project as Christians, sometimes, even while in a sanctuary.

       I have been in churches where the service was rhetorical and without feeling, leaving me to wonder if those in attendance were joyful at all.  I have been in congregations where many people spoke at once in prayer, with apparent joy and exuberance as they spoke with their Creator.  There have been services where the music dripped of worship and joy while the sermon seemed dry and dissatisfying.  And I have been in services where joy in the Spirit of the Lord was so tangible “Christian goose bumps” rippled over my body! 

       There are many ways to worship.  People find worship through music, reading the Word, prayer and praise, a walk in the woods, looking at a night sky, the ocean and a variety of other means all in an effort to commune with God.  It’s a very personal experience.  And this experience strengthens our relationship with God.  It is here we find peace, understanding and complete acceptance.  Our hearts are bare before him and in that clearness, find nearness.  We are in awe and fall down and worship Christ. 

       We have reason for joy even now.  We can project the love of Christ to believers and unbelievers alike.  Our joy can and should be in the many small things of our daily lives, like friendship, the smell of Spring rain and fresh bread!  I suggest, however, our joy should be so apparent to whoever is near, that the observer will want to know the source of our joy.   It is then we can explain that our ultimate joy is and is in God.  Sharing this joy is what we are to do even while we wait for His return!

And the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"   1 Corinthians 14:25