Gritty Joy

Nehemiah 8:10 “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

In this week’s sermon Brenna and Israel gave us practical wisdom about how to experience joy even when things are not going well.  They demonstrated that joy can be a complicated concept that may contain layers of lament, gratitude and expectancy.  As we look to scripture, we find a surprising guide to help us navigate spiritual joy.  Let’s take a moment to look at Job. 

Job’s worst fears came true.  He lost everything.  He lost his children, his health and his wealth.  It’s not surprising that he laments to God by saying, “You throw me into the whirlwind and destroy me in the storm.”  His emotions are raw and on full display throughout the book.

Yet Job also has moments where he shifts from grief to gratitude.  He says to God, “You gave me life and showed me unfailing love.  My life was preserved by your love.”  After much internal wrestling a friend emerges to encourage him by saying, “God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress.  He is setting your table with the best food.”  This helps reignite a spark of hopeful expectation within Job.  He begins to realize that although terrible things had happened, God is still God.  God remains, provides and still working on his behalf.

Job shows us that joy doesn’t flee like happiness does when hard times come.  Joy is gritty.  It allows us to acknowledge both the brokenness of now and also the hope for God’s healing and restoration that has not yet come.  There is hope in knowing that God sees us and is working all things together for good to come out of it.  It’s this expectation that turns joy to strength when we need it the most.

Tim Hansel said, “Pain is inevitable but misery is optional.  We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.” 

As you mull over the option to choose joy, I invite you to pray this prayer.

God, help me remember that you are with me in the highs and lows of life.  In all that I feel, help me to see the path to your joy and strength.

 -Mitzi Myers