Week 44 (26 Oct - 1 Nov): Practising Joy
Dear church,
Last Saturday, we started on a new series by Pastor Rick Warren titled "Habits of Happiness". While Pastor Rick uses the word 'happiness', what he seems to be referring to in the entire series is joy - a joy that is more than an emotion, that is not dependent on our circumstances and that is cultivated through the discipline of gratitude.
The first session focused on being grateful for the relationships that we have in our lives. Pastor Rick reminded us of the importance of four habits:
Be grateful for people in my life.
Pray with joy for people in my life.
Expect the best from people in my life.
Love the people in my life like Jesus does.
Given how central relationships are to our lives, this makes sense. I have heard it said that the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.
How often do we focus on the shortcomings of others, rather than celebrating the gifts that God has placed inside of them and the progress they have made in their own walks with God? How often do we hold onto hurt from the past, resulting in tension in a relationship which God had otherwise intended for us to enjoy?
We would be much happier people if we recognised that we are all God's works in progress - equally capable of hurting others and therefore all equally in need of grace from God and from one another. We would be much happier if we learned to expect the best from people, praying for them with the confidence that God will bring to completion the good work that He has begun in them (Philippians 1:6). I am praying for eyes of love - that I would see people the way God sees them: with compassion for how they came to be, delight over who they are and pride in who they are becoming.
As we go through the rest of the series, let us remember that the bible commands us to be joyful. Philippians 4:4 tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always"; 1 Thessalonians 5:16 calls us to "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances". If, according to Galatians 5:22, "the fruit of the spirit is ... joy", then surely maturing in Christ must mean growing in our capacity for joy.
Ultimately, joy is the only fitting response to all that God has done for us. To know God and be known by Him, is our greatest joy. We are invited not only to enjoy Him, but all His good and perfect gifts - including the people He has placed in our lives.
Grateful for you,
Lycia
(on behalf of RT1)
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