I Am… Invited to Joy

We continue our series on our identity because of God. Today Dave thinks about our open invitation to God’s joy.

Verses for Reflection:

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11

Because the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame. Hebrews 12:2

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.  Zephaniah 3:17

Quotes:

Original G.K. Chesterton quote:

Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead.

For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon.

It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.

 

Discussion Questions:

• • How do you feel about a God that feels joy? Who laughs and sings with gladness? Who is ‘young’ in the way Chesterton describes above? Does it feel a bit shocking and sacrilegious? Why do you think it feels so strange to think of God like this?
  • What brings you joy? It might be silly, or absolutely boring to others. It may feel unproductive or wasteful. Maybe it’s a bit embarrassing. As a spiritual activity, try doing it with gratitude this week, conscious that God is with you in the joy.
  • What could you do to practice meditation this week as if God, as a person, was with you? Suggestions include having an empty chair with you, or leaving space next to you. Try it this week.

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