Serious Joy
Seriously
Every week when we gather for worship, the stress and the anxiety of our lives are lifted, and replaced with something better. The only way I can describe the feeling is joy.
Joy.
If there is something we could use more of in life it is Joy. And it is no coincidence that the word “joy” or “rejoice” runs like a thread through scripture—498 times (in the NLT).
How important is joy? CS Lewis put it this way: he said that “Joy is the serious business of heaven.”
Joy is the serious business of heaven.
C.S. Lewis
Not only is joy essential to our lives, according to Lewis it is what heaven is all about. Lewis is only commenting on what Jesus himself taught. In a parable that Jesus spoke about the rewards God would one day give to His people in the life to come, He says this to his faithful:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” —Matthew 25:23
I love this: “Enter into the joy of your master.”
The psalmist says the same:
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. – Psalm 5:11
Wow. Look at this: Joyful singing forever. God’s presence is a place of safety and joy—endless joy—whose Spirit empowers us, filling us with continued joy.
Seriously—that is serious joy.
Love Him. Look to Him. Take refuge in him. Allow Him to spread His protection over you—then, whatever comes, you will be filled with joy.
And don’t believe the cynic that joy is a mirage. That’s not what Jesus deals in. His words are not only true, they’re enduring.
Whatever you’re doing today, with all that is in you, allow this thought to flood your mind and animate your actions. In his presence there is fullness of joy.
And why not join us for some joy this weekend? We’ll have it on tap starting at 10AM at CenterPoint this Sunday. Or you can join us online on our CenterPoint FB page. Either way, see you then.
Love you,
Pastor Bill
Bill Herried is lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship in Tacoma, Washington. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon. He is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren, and he loves a good biryani. Bill invites you to learn more on Your Daily Encouragement
Photo by Preslie Hirsch on Unsplash
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