Joy Even Now

Read Together
Isaiah 12 & Philippians 4:4-7

Light three candles and say together
Rejoice in the Lord always!
(from Philippians 4:4) 

Reflection

Of all the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,) joy certainly has a reputation for being the most fun. Joy evokes good feelings, happiness, and delight. It triggers memories of opening favourite Christmas presents, watching loved ones open gifts that were thoughtfully chosen, and family reunification.   

But joy isn't merely happiness — a positive response to the circumstances around us. It cannot be simply circumstantial. And it isn't Christmas yet. So are we still expected to find joy when it isn't time yet to open presents or visit family (and let's be honest, there is still a global pandemic?) The answer is yes. 

I love the progression of the Advent themes each week. First, hope, which provides the first glimmer of light when things feel dark. Hope makes space for peace to settle in. And as peace brings calm and restoration, it also illuminates the possibility for joy. Each of these traits brightens up the darkness more and more, not ignoring the darkness or denying its presence, but pushing it back and reducing its power.  

But how can we find joy even in darkness, when circumstances aren't happy? Philippians 4 can read like a list of commands, or it can be taken as a manual: How To Hack Your Life and Discover Joy. 

To rejoice always (yes, in every circumstance):

  • start with one part gentleness (because joy is going to be hard to come by when you're constantly in conflict with everyone). 
  • Add in the presence of the Lord (both by trusting that He is near, even when it doesn't feel like He is and seeking out opportunities to spend time in His presence). 
  • Top it all off with a lack of worry (which has a recipe of its own of course: 2 parts prayer and 1 part gratitude). 
  • And finally, plate this whole dish on the strength of peace, a gift from God that can be granted even in the least peaceful scenarios. 

Joy is the supernatural version of happiness: it can come even when it doesn't make sense. Try putting the recipe together to see what God can do with it.

Talk About

  • How would you describe the difference between joy and happiness? 
  • Have you ever experienced joy even when you've been unhappy?

Pray Together
I will give thanks to You, O Lord, for You comfort me. I will trust in You and not be afraid, for You are my strength and my might. Let Your joy constantly refresh me.
Amen. 

Put it in Action
Write a gratitude list at the end of each day this week! Note 3 things a day that you are thankful for, and see if it helps increase your joy!

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