What happened to Joy?
No, I don't mean Joy, like the cute little blonde that lived on my hall in college. I mean the second Fruit of the Spirit,you know: love, JOY, peace...! (Gal. 5:22-23 if you were wondering.)I've had a lot of free time lately and I've been using most of it to read up on what is happening to some of my family, and a few old acquaintances from high school and college. One of the things that has struck me most is a general lack of joy. I don't mean happiness, I mean all out J-O-Y. (Whoever just called me Pollyanna can leave!)
Here's what I see. I see some of my friends and family who don't realize that the privileges and conveniences that life has afforded them are just that, privileges. So, when things aren't going the way they expect them to they get sucked into a hole of melancholy and cynicism. These are people who claim to be Christians and yet can't remember that God never promises for our lives to be perfect, or even easy. He only promises to make us perfect. And joy, it doesn't come from circumstances. It is our hearts response to what Christ has done for us.
I realize that I sound like I'm on a soapbox, but maybe it's because I just spent a week with people who's faith was more real than mine will ever be. And, they are filled with the joy of the Lord, it's running over in them. Instead of focusing on what they haven't got, or what is wrong with the world they are focused on Jesus Christ and they are making the world more right by living as He would have them live. It was rather shaming in a way. I realized that I come from a society of wealth and privilege, as do most of us, and I'm not satisfied, while others have everything they need because they are content in Christ, not their circumstances.
Okay, I guess I'm finished. I know that there are still going to be cynical people, and melancholy people. And just by talking (or typing) at someone I can't change much, it has to be Christ. But, well, it felt good to get that out. At least I learned something over the past week, even if no one else will.
Here's what I see. I see some of my friends and family who don't realize that the privileges and conveniences that life has afforded them are just that, privileges. So, when things aren't going the way they expect them to they get sucked into a hole of melancholy and cynicism. These are people who claim to be Christians and yet can't remember that God never promises for our lives to be perfect, or even easy. He only promises to make us perfect. And joy, it doesn't come from circumstances. It is our hearts response to what Christ has done for us.
I realize that I sound like I'm on a soapbox, but maybe it's because I just spent a week with people who's faith was more real than mine will ever be. And, they are filled with the joy of the Lord, it's running over in them. Instead of focusing on what they haven't got, or what is wrong with the world they are focused on Jesus Christ and they are making the world more right by living as He would have them live. It was rather shaming in a way. I realized that I come from a society of wealth and privilege, as do most of us, and I'm not satisfied, while others have everything they need because they are content in Christ, not their circumstances.
Okay, I guess I'm finished. I know that there are still going to be cynical people, and melancholy people. And just by talking (or typing) at someone I can't change much, it has to be Christ. But, well, it felt good to get that out. At least I learned something over the past week, even if no one else will.
posted by Meg at 4/03/2005 11:04:00 AM
1 Comments:
so true megan...unfortunately...doesn't it make you feel terrible when you meet people like that...cuz then yur like what the heck is wrong with me...if they can have joy...why can't i...that's how i feel sometimes anyways...alot of times i think i'm content...but then there's always something that i'm wishin i had more of...know what i mean...it's hard for me to put it into words (didn't think that was possible for me did ya?)...but i hope you get what i mean...well...yeah...can't wait to c ya again soon...me
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