That’s probably why he got so many dinner invitations and why kids climbed all over him. This Jesus is no sober sourpuss like the one portrayed in medieval paintings. No, he’s worry-free and full of joy. It seems that where he was joy was and his joy stood out. It apparently characterized and energized him, setting him apart from all other human beings.

His foundation

His joy wasn’t simply a strong feeling of happiness. It was a state of mind. A deep abiding sense of well being that comes from being safe, secure, and at home. It was this at-home-ness that formed the foundation of Jesus’ life and was the source of his joy.

You see Jesus looked at the world differently than you and I. Tohim it was a perfectly safe place to be, because as he saw it, at the center of life was “Abba” – his wise, reliable, all-powerful, ever present and adoring Father taking care of him. This eliminated all need to be anxious, stressed or defensive. Life was quite simple – trust the goodness of Abba and obey, “The One who sent me stays with me. He doesn’t abandon me. He sees how much joy I take in pleasing him.” (John 8:29) You could say Jesus made his home in his Father’s love and the result was joy and that joy was the strength of his life.

It’s for us too

When I take in Jesus’ teaching, especially in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the Upper Room Discourse (John 14-17), I’m convinced that you and I were intended to share in his joy. In fact I believe Jesus came to open the way torelationship with Abba so that we can have that same at-home-ness and experience the same joy he did, forming the same rock-solid, storm-resistant foundation for our lives he had. He gave this promise, “Remain (make your home) in my love… so that you will be FILLED WITH MY JOY. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:9,11) He prayed to Abba, “…I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be FILLED WITH MY JOY.” (John 17:13)

Bearing fruit

So here’s the deal. Do you want – what in today’s world of stressand angst is a very rare treasure – the joy of the Lord? It’s the big payoff for anyone who chooses to follow Jesus and live his or her life from his leadership and love. It can’t be, manufactured, earned, or worked up… it’s afruit that will appear in your life as you focus on putting first things first and making a close intimate relationship with Abba your top priority just the way Jesus did.

Now on to the joy…

Mike T

Americans have always had a thing about happiness. We all have certain unalienable rights declares our Declaration of Independence. Among them, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

So then, a couple of centuries into the chase, how are we doing? Alas, only so-so. A recent Pew Research Center survey showed that just a third (34%) of adults in this country say their very happy. Another half say they are pretty happy and 15% consider themselves not too happy.

Church and happiness

It seems some of us are happier than others. Not surprising the same survey showed that frequent churchgoers are happier than those who don’t.  People who attend church weekly or more often are happier than are those attending less often. Those who seldom or never attend services are the least likely to say they are very happy.

Well most any pastor worth his salt could’ve told you that.  After 30 plus years of pastoring I’ve found that people who attend church regularly feel more supported in life and have more meaningful relationships than those who don’t.  In line with that, frequent churchgoers seem to do better with the uncertainties of life or when ambused by unexpected crises. Couples that attend regularly seem to manage the rough patches in their marriages and aren’t as easily overwhelmed by the challenges of parenthood than those that don’t attend regularly. And I’ve found that people who are at church more often than not to be more spiritually vibrant and way more mature than those who aren’t. They are generally more joyful and upbeat and less likely to fall into deep, extended emotional funks compared to those that attend sporadically.

Interestingly they show up regularly not because it’s any easier or convenient for them than those that only attend now and then.  It’s not. When asked, most say they find the benefits of showing up and participating well worth the effort and outweigh the sacrifices they make getting to church on Sundays. They often speak of it as a ‘good habit’ they’re glad they’ve developed. They say their happier and better off because of it, not to mention feeling closer to God.

Plugged in?

How about you? A lot of you guys have been staying away from church lately. Honestly, how’s that working for you? How are things going between you and God? If not so good maybe you’re feeling the effects of being away.

The church is the local Body of Christ. I’m not talking about a building but the community of fellow believers is the place God does most of his work in our lives. As imperfect as it may be or as difficult as it might be to show up and participate in, the local church remains God’s only way to live the life Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead to give you. Many of you reading this need to seriously consider developing the good habit of regular church attendance. Or if in recent times you’ve fallen off for whatever reason, climb back on the fellowship wagon. You won’t be sorry.

If you’ve been away there’s some things going on at church that you might find helpful to get you in the swing of things again. For whatever reason Sundays might not be your thing right now. We’re gearing-up for our summer small group semester right now. Why not check one out. It’s a good way to get your feet wet again. We’re also having a Wine & Cheese party on the 14th in the Down Under Room at our office. This would be a great no-stress way to reconnect with friends while having a relaxing and enjoyable evening socializing.  Or maybe you just want to just show up this Sunday and get a fresh start. Just remember what the writer of the Letter to the Hebrew Christians wrote:

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Hope to see ya around
Mike T