There are so many things that I’ve learned this past school year and even just this year (2020) so far. God’s been teaching me so much and growing me in so many ways.
I realized, however, that I have not been very good at documenting these lessons. I’m going to try to slowly share more and more on this blog—for you, the reader (perhaps you’ve also shared similar experiences and/or we can grow together!) and for myself to remember. Today, I wanted to start by writing about this idea of daily happiness vs. eternal joy, a distinction I actually realized a bit ago when I was still on Penn’s campus. Praise God for growing me in this way.
I think perhaps a sin we are quick to minimize and count as “okay” is not being joyful. Now, of course, I recognize that we all have ups and downs and personally have definitely experienced tough times. But I think perhaps especially as students, and in general, we’re quick to complain about the work we have and stress about things rather than looking at everything as a gift and opportunity from God. Being sad and complaining and pushing others away, I think, can often be me idolizing my grades or myself more than God (pride sin). I am thinking of instances when I overstress about school, understress about loving God’s people, and overcomplain, or perhaps am overprideful when someone hurts my feelings.
Basically, this year, I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter what my daily worldly mood is, I always want to be joyful in Him. Rather than pursuing daily happiness, I want to rest assured in His eternal joy. Even if I am sad or stressed or hurt in a worldly sense, I want to remember that I always have reason to be joyful—because of Christ, what God did and does and will do for us, and because of who God is. God is so, so good. He is all powerful, all knowing. His character is so good and majestic that we can’t even fully comprehend it.
I don’t want to minimize anyone’s pain or suffering or feelings. All of that is very real, and emotions can be a gift from God too (another thing I’ve really come to learn and appreciate this year! :')). But I wanted to share how I’m really trying to be joyful in Him. No matter how I might feel in a given moment during the day, I want to be honest with God and joyful in who He is.
I think earlier in the year, I was also thinking a lot about how we often text each other “how are you?” Obviously the typical response is a short and uninviting “good,” seeming more like a formality than a genuine invitation to converse sometimes (which I admit is me a lot of the time). (Side note: I love when people check in and also really love checking in! So I do embrace and dig a good “how are you?” check in! :)) I think I just realized that sure, I might tell someone that “I’m okay,” or “eh,” but really, I am always (or at least should/am trying to always be) joyful in Him.
Now, having said that, I do really want to hear how you are doing. :) The honest, raw answer. The “I’m really thriving today, Joyce, because….” or the “I’ve had a really tough day because….” I think I’m just trying to always add an “...(but) I’m praising Him through it all and am joyful in Him. Grateful for the lessons He’s teaching me and I know He is working, even if I can’t see or understand how.”
Praying that His Spirit may fill us so that we may all be joyful in Him.
All for the glory of God.
With love,
Joyce
Bible verse foundation: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 I love this idea and image of overflowing with His power and love and joy. :)
P.S. Here’s an old pic. where I was probably very happy and joyful in Him. :) I was helping with a memory verse in Spanish in Guat! :’) Miss this and serving Him and really just focusing on Him with everyone around me.
P.P.S. Still thinking through some things of course! Feel free to reach out with your thoughts or questions! Would love to hear. :)
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