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March 13, 2010 Read: Psalm 100 Think About: Have you ever been around people who seem to have joy just dripping out of every pore of their body? They're able to find the silver lining within every cloudy situation and a sense of peace emanates from their spirits no matter what their circumstances. Makes you want to ask what are they on and how can I get a hold of some! In Philippians 4:4 the apostle Paul says, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again- rejoice!" This joy thing is serious business in the Bible and yet sometimes the pressures of life bring us to a place where we find joy in our lives severely lacking. We feel weighed down by the expectations and responsibilities put on us by our jobs, our families, ourselves, even our church. Instead of shouting with joy to the Lord, we end up shouting with frustration at our kids, our spouse or anyone who is unlucky enough to be in our general vicinity. If you struggle with this and often times feel "joy-challenged" don't worry, you are not alone. However, it's important for us as Christians in acknowledging this fact not to become complacent and merely accept it. Today we are halfway though our devotions on the topic of Sabbath and the need for more rest and renewal of body, mind and spirit. I hope you were able to participate in this week's congregational challenge of identifying and doing three things that nurture you holistically because these are the kind of actions that make deposits in your "joy bank." Far from being selfish, making time for yourself in these ways will help you to better be the joy-filled person God has created you to be. Many times when we think of Jesus' face the picture that comes to our minds is one which is serious and focused. Undoubtedly, Jesus was both of those things but he also had friends, went to dinner parties and enjoyed life. If this were not the case, there is no way he would have had such a large following. When asked what the most important quality people are looking for in partner, consistently the number one answer is, "Someone who can make me laugh." Jesus was a person who inspired laughter and love in those he touched and it is a part of our calling as his disciples to do the same. Do your best to take time to nurture the things that inspire joy in you and this will most certainly put a smile on the face of God. Practice: Go to the following link on the web and enjoy the artistic renderings of a joyful Jesus: http://picturesofjesus4you.com/jesus_drawings.html. Pray this Prayer: God of light and laughter, thank you for the example of your Son Jesus who was willing and able to give the gift of a smile to others as a significant part his important life's work. Help me to remember this when I get down or start to take myself too seriously and move forward with the joy of the Lord as my strength. Amen. You are invited and encouraged to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with the spiritual practices at the Lenten Devotional Blog. We are on this journey together and your words may help another along the way. Having problems viewing this page? Click here to view it online. Click here to be removed from the Lent Daily Devotions © 2010 St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere |
