joy to the world

"...the joy of the Lord is my strength."

"Joy is strength. Its absence will create weakness. Dallas Willard wrote,

'failure to attain a deeply satisfying life always has the effect of making sinful actions seem good. Here lies the strength of temptation...Normally, our success in overcoming temptation will be easier if we are basically happy in our lives. To cut off the joys and pleasures associated with our bodily lives and social existence as 'unspiritual,' then, can actually have the effect of weakening us in our efforts to do what is right.'

One of the key tasks for spiritual vitality then is: We must arrange life so that sin no longer looks good to us...Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that his meals in prison made an opportunity to exercise the discipline of joy.

'God cannot endure that unfestive, mirthless attitude of ours in which we eat our bread in sorrow, with pretentious, busy haste, or even with shame. Through our daily meals He is calling us to rejoice, to keep holiday in the midst of our working.'

Devote a specific day to acts of celebration so that eventually joy will infuse your entire life. One day a week, eat foods you love to eat, listen to music that moves your soul, play a sport that stretches and challenges you, read books that refresh your spirit, wear clothes that make you happy, surround yourself with beauty--and as you do these things, give thanks to God for His wonderful goodness. Reflect on what a gracious God He is to have thought of these gifts. Take the time to experience and savor joy, then direct your heart toward God so that you come to know He is the giver of 'every good and perfect gift.' Nothing is too small if it produces true joy in us and causes us to turn toward God in gratitude and delight."

~Excerpt from The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg