Webster describes 'joy' as "a very glad feeling; happiness; delight". The Christian hymn speaks of "joy unspeakable and full of glory". According to paid advertisements, "JOY" can be found in a sink full of dirty dishes. But how do we as followers of Christ define joy?
I have found in my short 30 years that definitions differ from person to person, and often become relative to circumstances. But the joy we search for, even crave, cannot be found in circumstances, and certainly not in a sink of dirty dishes! As our journeys in Christ continue on we are often taught that Christ's joy should be unshakable, even foundational, and has little to do with whether we are "happy or delighted". His joy comes from knowing the end of the story. It's like the southern gospel tune, "I read the back of the book, and WE WIN!" We find in strength in knowing Who is in control of the storms around us, and can therefore say we have found true joy.
But what about when that storm hits? How about that unexpected detour in our journey that leads us to a place we never imagined? When we are standing alone, soaked to the bone in life's reality, can we still say there is joy? Can we peer through the darkness and thank God we're facing this trial or even tragedy?
Looking back, I can mark my life by the storms that have raged. I'd like to say that I have learned a lesson or some deep spiritual truth from every one of them. But, while the Lord has certainly provided revelations over time that have shaped my life, there are still questions in the back of my mind. But a decision was made long ago -- a crisis of faith -- and it has kept me from completely cracking under the pressure. I have chosen joy -- I trust that all things work together for good because I love the Lord Jesus Christ and I know He sees the end from the beginning. But Joy has also chosen me -- it is by his grace that joy is cultivated within me. I have chosen the seed, but He supplies the growth by His grace.
And so I have chosen to create this blog in order to share my journey; the experiences, the blessings, the miracles, the lessons and the TRIALS that come on this path that God has chosen for me. It is my prayer that I will honor Him and that He will use my life to touch others.
2 comments:
shnu,
i'm first again!
whose that spartan in my teepee?
-@
Wow. I'm in my office and I had a few minutes to spare. Actually, I have some grading that I want to put off, so what could I do with my time? Catch up on Shawna's "blog". I want you to know that this blog thing is new to me. I've never read one (or posted a comment to one) in my life til yesterday. Pretty neat. Since I don't get to see you NEAR as often as I like, it's a wonderful way to at least feel like we're staying in touch! (Still, we MUST do lunch soon, okay??)
Anyway, I just read your "joy" post, and it touched me so. Of course, you know about the last two years of my life & the struggles I've had with Maia. Yes, I've been drenched with the reality of life & it's been hard NOT to lose sight of the joy made available for me through Him and Him alone. I just wanted to thank you for your friendship and the many ways you've ministered to me. This is just one of many.
By the way, as your former English prof, it's so exciting to read what you're writing. You're a wonderful, inspiring writer! I may have to use this piece as an example of and argument of definition when we cover that for comp. I like to pull models from different venues. Is that okay?
Love your face!
Krista
Post a Comment