What marks your life?

"Enjoying the infinitely Enjoyable is no great feat. Unless you are spiritually dead."

When I read that quote from chapter 4 of "The Dangerous Duty of Delight" by John Piper I was struck with the simplicity and yet great depth of it. I am becoming more and more convinced as I read the Bible that the believer's life should be marked by JOY. I am not saying we will not have times when we are fighting like crazy for joy and it seems like it is just out of reach. And, it's times like those where we need to meditate on the Word of God and WHO God is and cry out with David, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation!" But, as a whole, our lives should be joyful (not always happy...but always joyful...and there is a difference!).

Here are just a few verses about joy:
"...rejoice with joy that is inexpressible..." I Peter 1:8
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks..." 1 Thess. 5:16-18
"The joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:20
"You (Lord) have put more joy in my heart..." Psalm 4:7
"For You, O Lord, have made me glad by your work, and at the works of Your hand I sing for joy." Psalm 92:4

As the watching world looks on, I believe that one of the greatest reasons they might ask us to "give a reason for the hope that is in us" (I Peter 3:15) is because they see a JOY in us that just doesn't make sense to them. A joy that is missing in their own lives.

I think the second part of the quote is honest and scary, too! To not enjoy the Lord, to not live a life rejoicing in HIM should cause us to actually question whether we are ALIVE in Him. To genuinely examine our lives and see if we "be in the faith".

I pray that the Lord would cause you and me to be rooted and established in Him and His Word that it can't help but spill over into joyful living in every area of our lives. And, believe me, I am preaching to myself most of all! :)

Comments

For His Glory said…
O how I love the wisdom God has given you in your words and in encouraging others...I know it is the same things you are encouraging your own life with as well:)...
Bina said…
I LOVED this post. Thank you!
Sandy said…
Amen, Wendy! I continually rejoice in the gifts of wisdom and grace from God that you, Kristin, (and you,too,Wendy!) share with all of us each day! I am SO richly blessed and thankful to the Lord for His "grace gifts"!
Sandy said…
Amen, Wendy! I continually rejoice in the gifts of wisdom and grace from God that you, Kristin, (and you,too,Wendy!) share with all of us each day! I am SO richly blessed and thankful to the Lord for His "grace gifts"!