Joyous Christianity

     I think it's time I address an issue that quite a few people have asked me about. Who made up the silly idea that in order to be a faithful and holy person, you have to be boring and grumpy all the time? There is nothing that irritates me more than a "tortured Catholic." I've always had this gnawing suspicion that in order to achieve true holiness, we must experience a certain level of happiness in our lives. Well, go figure, I was right. The Bible is gushing with verses concerning our call to live joyously.

"Go, eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart, because it is now that God favors your works."

- Ecclesiastes 9:7

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit."

- Romans 15:13

"... I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and chant praise to the Lord."

- Psalms 27:6

"Restore to me the gladness of your salvation."

- Psalms 51:14

     The critical theme in all of these verses is that the source of joy is always the Lord. This is not saying that God underestimates the happiness that we can receive from worldly things, such as good food (referred to in Ecclesiastes 9:7). However, God has a history of never "ripping off" his children, we are never offered the "second best."  Throughout the Scriptures, every story presents God in such a way where He pours His best out for his children to receive. Likewise, He is making Himself available to us in order that we may partake in the relationship that will bring us more joy than all worldly pleasures combined. Try to grasp that. An intimate relationship with God will make you infinitely times happier than eating your favorite food, while partaking in your favorite activity, surrounded by your favorite people, as a result of your least favorite classes being cancelled. That is a lot of happiness, my friends. 

     

     Some of you may be thinking, "I don't have an intimate relationship with God, but I'm still happy. So chill." I don't doubt it, you probably are happy. In fact, a year ago, I would've made this exact same statement. I was perfectly happy and content with my life, not looking to change anything. Quite frankly, I couldn't imagine being any happier. I'm officially challenging your idea, it is possible. A more joyous life awaits you; I believe that with every fiber of my being. Just try it. Open your heart to a God who is absolutely crazy about you. He literally died in order to be with you.

     

     Here's the key idea. Giving him the chance to form a relationship with you should not mean cutting out all the fun in your life. Instead, you will start to recognize where true goodness lies... and that will bring you more fun and happiness than you could have ever imagined.

Christian speaker, Jeff Vanderstelt, speaks about finding joy in everyday life.