The Basics so far…
1. God wants hopeful people excited that Jesus provides a way to God.
2. God wants dependent people who desperately need God to answer prayers.
3. God wants joyful people who are ready to talk about Jesus being alive.
Hope, Dependence, Joy, Generosity and Wonder. If I discovered people marked with those characteristics, I’d want to ask how they did it. How they developed those qualities in their life. I can say that without help it’s impossible. Inside myself I don’t have what it takes to always hope the best; I’m easily discouraged. Inside myself, I want independence; not dependence! Inside myself, I find plenty of things to steal my joy and keep me from talking about what truly matters.
Since the tools necessary to cultivate the 5 Basics are not in me, it begs the question: “Where to go?” I presuppose God’s Word to be enough to point me to God, who is all I need. So I’ll start there. God and His Word are the perfect outside influence to push me in the direction of hope, joy, etc. And I want joy!
If I let other influences push me I’ll end up with huge misconceptions. Joy for example. Joy is a hot topic this time of year. Christmas decorations are out at Walmart and the internet is filling with Holiday ads. “Joy to the World!” “Celebrate the Holidays” Buy more and be happy. Joy exists at the end of a credit card receipt! – REALLY? What a misconception!
I find most of my joy in people not things. I’m not alone in this thought. Jesus disciples placed their joy in Jesus and were sufficiently bummed when Jesus told them he was leaving (John 16:17-18). Their joy was going to be smashed like an October 31st pumpkin heading towards a fateful end as a Thanksgiving pie. They weren’t sure they’d make it to the next holiday. Jesus was predicting his death and they were sure to be devoid of joy.
Throughout John 16:17-33, Jesus gives his followers reasons they’ll be joyful after Jesus is killed on a cross. Sure, I can look back on the disciples, having read the whole story, and think, “Don’t sweat it guys, Jesus will rise from the dead… You’ll see Him again.” But for Peter, James, John… life was about to come unraveled.
Jesus’ promise of joy for his followers after his resurrection helps me. I’m a follower of Jesus on this side of the cross. I can and should have joy. After all, the Greatest Person to ever bring me joy is still alive!
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. I this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” - Jesus, in John 16:33.
What keeps you from experiencing joy?