I used to be a member of the local Optimist Club, primarily because some of my church members were in it and they urged me to join. It was a great group of people who did some fabulous charitable work, but at every club meeting we recited the organization's creed. I think that optimism and positive thinking and looking on the bright side are all good things, but the source and object of the Optimists' optimism was simply optimism itself.
This contrasts greatly with Christian joy. While God's people are supposed to be joyful, our joy is not be simply positive thinking and always looking on the bright side, always choosing to have a smile on our face regardless of our circumstances. This can too easily settle into a mindset that is detached from reality. Instead, we are to remember and celebrate what God has done for us.
1 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
2 sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise.
3 Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds!
Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.
4 All the earth worships you;
they sing praises to you,
sing praises to your name.'
5 Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
6 He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in him,
7 who rules by his might for ever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let the rebellious not exalt themselves.
8 Bless our God, O peoples,
let the sound of his praise be heard,
9 who has kept us among the living,
and has not let our feet slip. - Psalm 66:1-9
The Israelites had several festivals and holy days in which they remembered and rejoiced in what God had done for them - calling them and forming them as a people, rescuing them from bondage in Egypt, leading them into the Promised Land, and more. This is joy as celebration, and the source and objects of our celebration are God and His faithfulness to us.
As Christians, we remember and celebrate what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Every Sunday is a celebration - a mini-Easter - as we remember and rejoice in the death and resurrection of Jesus and the new life that we have as a result.
Take time today to experience joy by remembering and celebrating what God has done for you.
Have a blessed day,
Pastor Chris
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