-
December 29, 2022
1. In the Introduction Chris notes that “ Fake ‘joy’ (is) born of denial or wishful thinking” but that true joy is “realer” he goes on to say that
“For a Christian:
- Joy isn’t what happens when life goes perfectly. It’s what happens when you know your loved perfectly, even when life’s a mess.
- Joy isn’t winning. It is when you know you’ve already won.
- Joy isn’t an absence of pain. It’s the presence of Jesus. “
Do you find His vision of Joy to be true? What about it, is appealing or challenging?
2. Chris’ first rule for Joy is to Give Thanks. He observes that he has witnessed true joy in those who do not have many of the things we often associate with joy and reflects on the reality that stuff isn’t the source of our joy. Have you ever noticed this yourself? When? Have you ever experienced a time when gratitude led you to true Joy? Reflect more deeply on that experience.
This week try keeping a list of things for which you are grateful and saying “thank you” to God and others for the simple gifts you receive.
-