On a recent Sunday morning, I noticed one of our newer church members walking in the door. I greeted him with, "Oh, good, the Amen Corner is here! I miss you when you're gone." He and his mother sit right up front — none of this back row stuff for them — and he is very vocal in his responses to both the pastor's sermons and the music, either calling out in his deep voice, "Amen!" or "That's right!" or freely sharing his hearty laughter when it's appropriate. Ours is not a church culture that produces many hearty amens, so he's added a fresh, new element to our services.

He's probably in his 40s or 50s and lives with his seemingly frail, elderly mother. At first glance, one wouldn't think that they have much cause for joy. They don't appear to have an abundance of financial resources, and he must have a physical disability, as he uses a walker and holds himself as though there might be other problems. But those mobility issues don't stop either of them from joyfully playing with the pastor's three young children in the lobby of the church long after the morning service is over.

I have much to learn from the joy exhibited by this gentleman and his mother. There are mornings when I walk into church on Sunday focused on my aches and pains and how much sleep that I didn't have the night before. When someone asks, "How are you this morning?" I reply, "Well, I'm here." Hardly the joyful attitude that I should have when I'm coming to worship with God's people!

Happiness and joy are not synonyms; happiness relies on circumstances, whereas joy relies on our hope in Christ.

When Jesus was in the upper room with His disciples, preparing them for His impending death, He gave them many reasons for joy. Here are just a few of them.

• I am going [to My Father's home] to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2b NLT)
• I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. (John 14:27a NLT)
• I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. (John 15:9 NLT)
• I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! (John 15:11 NLT)

The apostle Paul insists that joy is not a suggestion.

Philippians 4:4 – Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice! (NLT)

"Always" means "on every occasion" or "at all times" — even when we don't feel like it. We may not shout "Amen!", but we can ask God to guard our thoughts and our happiness in Him and constantly thank Him for blessings, small or large. I'm going to start by saying, "I'm blessed" instead of "I'm here". What can you do to maintain an attitude of joy?

Prayer: Father, we need Your help to remain focused on joy instead of our sorrows and health issues. Help us to rest constantly in the fulness of Your joy. Amen!

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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