“What’s happened to all your joy?” (Gal.4:15). Won’t you revive us again, that we may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation. (Ps.85:6-7). “Ask and you will receive abundant joy” (Jn.16:24).
Lord Jesus… Oh that we would take our joy as seriously as you do. Some might ask the question “What’s happened to all your joy?” (Gal.4:15), with a smirk, some with shame, but not you. You ask about our “joy-loss” with compassion, and a commitment to renew us. So how do we leak, leave, or kill our joy?
Sometimes we STARVE our hearts of joy nutrients—almost as bad as “selective-spiritual-anorexia.” That is, we binge on all kinds of other stuff, but we no longer feast with you, Jesus, at the table of your grace.
Sometimes we STRANGLE our hearts with cords of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment—choking the life out of our joy.
Sometimes we DECEIVE our hearts—looking to you plus something for our primary joy—romance, riches, reputation, religion… the list is as long as our imagination and foolishness.
Sometimes we UN-GUARD our hearts—throwing our spiritual life into cruise-control, forgetting we actually have an active adversary, and dangerously forgetting our sinful nature has been crucified, but not yet eradicated.
Sometimes we EXHAUST our hearts—the cost of loving others well, or even faithfully doing things for you without spending time with you.
Sometimes we do nothing wrong, we just have AGING hearts. Our capacity to remember the Gospel gets compromised—and other physiological, emotional, mental changes occur. Hallelujah, your joy in and over us never diminishes, Jesus; and you will hold us fast until the Day of total healing and consummate joy.
Jesus, whatever our scenario(s)—you will give us all the grace, kindness, repentance, and renewal we need. Thank you, and So Very Amen.