Rediscovering JoySample

God likes to use examples from the natural world to describe more about Himself and His relationship with us. “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5). And “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him…” (Ps. 103:11). 

Similarly, God has chosen something from the natural world to convey the gifts He offers to us. And joy is that gift which falls from the Great Gift Tree which is God Himself: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). These are an offering to God as He whispers, “Take them. Dwell in them. Offer them.”

How many of us have found an apple tree on the side of the road and tasted the fruit only to discover a freshness that is unlike any Red Delicious found in the grocery aisle. In our excitement, we run to our friend and plead, “Try this! It’s amazing!” This is also true with God’s fruit of the Spirit. Once we have experienced the gifts, we cannot help but share them with others! 

Joy is only one of our offerings to others. When we have spent time with God and experienced His delight in us, we see the world differently. We begin to delight in many things around us as well—in the chirping of the birds as the sun rises, in the warm blanket on a cold night, in the “I miss you” text of a friend. 

And what if God is asking that we share those moments with others? “Hey, let me tell you about this little delight I had today…” we begin as we talk with a friend. And then others’ eyes are opened to what they may not be noticing. This is where the seed of joy is planted. And a new tree is born where God offers those gifts in the lives of another. And another. And another.

Zechariah 4:10 declares, “Who dares despise the day of small things…?” Joy is found most often in the ordinary and mundane of life—in the birds, the blankets, the texts. Don’t overlook these, and don’t let these die with you. Our overflow of joy, after all, is really as simple as calling a friend and saying, “This morning I heard a bird chirping it’s heart out even though it was 0 degrees—and it made me glad.” 

Then, see where joy takes you both.

But sometimes it’s more difficult to see joy. Tomorrow, we will look at joy in the hard times.