Real Hope: JOYSample

Unbuckle Your Joy

Moments ago, my washing machine finished its cycle. That in itself is not noteworthy. However, when it finished, it sang a joyful melody to mark the moment. It sparked a question: Why are our washing machines encouraged to sing in joy when they fulfill their domestic duty, but most times, when I talk to Christian brothers and sisters, their joy has been domesticated?

Do you know what I mean by that? I mean that it feels like a lot of the time we’re so good at being grown-ups that we forget how to express our unbridled joy in God. Instead, we seem to note our joy, fasten its seatbelt on, and continue on our way.

What we’ve been given in God is indeed great, wonderful, and worthy of joy! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to tell you how to express this joy – but I’m asking the question, “Do you express your joy in God?“ Did you know that in 430 places the Bible exhorts us to be filled with joy? That’s a lot!

I imagine part of the reason is that, in expressing our joy, we are recognizing the goodness of God! We’re also sharing the goodness of God! We’re delighting in the good things God has given us! To me that seems right and proper.

So, what is it today that you can be joyful about? What good and perfect gift have you experienced today? What thing can you marvel in and praise our heavenly Father for?

Why don’t you unbuckle your joy and be totally undomesticated and overwhelmed by the goodness of God!

Written by KATIE SMTIH