Rev. Richard Smith
Psalm 118:24 The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad!
Did you know that the word “joy” appears in the Bible more times than the word “prayer”; more times than the word “forgiveness”; more times even than the word “grace”. Well, there’s a reason for this. God wants his children to live joyful and fulfilling lives. So let me share here four principles for God-grounded joyful living.
Recognize That Joy Is A Choice One Makes
I think you are familiar with the notable work by Victor Frankl titled, Man’s Search for Meaning. In this book Frankl recounts his experiences as a prisoner at the Auschwitz concentration camp during WWII. He writes about how the Nazis did everything they could to strip persons of any sense of identity or meaning. They gave them numbers instead of names. They took their freedom and made them slaves. They did everything possible to dehumanize all who came into the camp. Yet, says Frankl, there was one thing they couldn’t take away…the privilege of choosing the attitude with which one handles life’s tough circumstances. He writes, Everything can be taken from us but one thing…the freedom to choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances.
To choose joy when life would indicate otherwise is a choice each of us can make! In essence, we can choose, even amidst adverse moments, to see our blessings rather than dwell on our burdens!
Now, let me be clear…in offering this insight I’m by no means minimizing or ignoring the challenge people with clinical depression or deep anxiety face. That’s a totally different conversation.
Give Proper Attention To The Primary Relationships In Your Life
I read some time ago a piece on “the enthusiasm quotient.” I think there are varying usages and definitions for this phrase but the one I read has to do with how the primary relationships in our lives keep us enthused. This particular version says…our happiness is directly related to the time we set aside for the people who matter in our lives.
None of us are emotional islands who can handle life’s ups and downs without the support of others. Every moment we spend with people who really matter to us feeds ours spirits and nourishes our souls. Without question, the primary relationships in our lives are a gift from God meant to bring us blessing and joy.
Go Easy On The Imperfections Of Others
I read recently an interesting piece about an informal poll taken among people asking them the question, “When you think of the unhappiest people you know, what causes their unhappiness?” One of the answers to the question of why some people are unhappy is quite revealing…”Because that person is an overly critical, judgmental person.” In other words, some people are unhappy simply because they tend to be critical people; people who are constantly noting the imperfections of others. Sure makes sense to me.
Have you ever met a happy judgmental person? I don’t think so!
Now, as I’ve often noted, avoiding being overly critical doesn’t mean we ignore matters of justice and goodness which must be addressed. But, going easy, as imperfect beings ourselves, on the imperfections of others in routine living lends toward a happier spirit!
Live As A Self-Giving Person
I spoke in depth about the virtue of giving in my November 1 blog. Here let me just say…self-giving people are inherently happy people!
You can’t have a giving heart and spirit and not know deep joy!
Just as you will never meet a happy overly critical person, you will never meet a person who has a giving and generous heart who is unhappy!!
