Finding Joy
While happiness and joy are two similar emotions, a significant distinction can be made between the two. Happiness is dependent on external circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is based on an inward determination. Joy does not require external circumstances to be just right, or for us to be feeling joyful or happy.
Even in the midst of a joyful time, one can feel heaviness and sadness at the brokenness of the world. There are times when that brokenness come crashing in, uninvited, to our most celebrated and sacred times. The hurts and agony of the world are too close to ignore.
“Before the joy of reconciliation with God is the pain of reconciliation with reality. Our unwillingness to expose ourselves to the latter is what barricades us against the former.”
In these times, I take refuge in the Psalms. This is, in my opinion, the most raw and emotionally charged book in the Bible. The Psalms are full of longing, regret, contrition, joy, peace, and exuberant praise. In these reflections, the writers are brutally honest with themselves about their broken condition and need for salvation.
In the book "Deeper Places", Matt Jacoby explores the emotion of the Psalms and correlates them to our daily walk. He states "The tragedy of finding oneself in a mirage becomes the beginning of an about-face that puts the Psalmist face-to-face with God. This is why we find some of the deepest expressions of joy in the Psalms coming from context of severe hardship."
The existence of sorrow and brokenness in our world does not preclude of from feeling joy. It is easy to feel guilt for having joy in the face of the deep sorrow around us. And it may not be appropriate to express exuberant joy in those circumstances. But we must find seasons of joy. The absence of joy can lead down the path of despair and all the dangers present there.
Seek joy and pursue it, not the mirage of a fleeting emotion.
