Joy – Bits & Pieces of Advent
Advent 2019 . Bits & Pieces . Deep Thoughts
“Although you’ve never seen him, you love him. Even though you don’t see him now, you trust him and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words.” – 1 Peter 1:8 CEB
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of music by For King and Country. The brother-duo from down under focus on a plethora of powerful themes in their latest album Burn The Ships.
The other day I found myself watching their appearance on the Country Music Awards (don’t ya love YouTube). As it ended, the music video for their song “Joy” popped up on the screen.
I’ll admit, the setting – a television station, with a newsroom twist – caught my eye. But it was the lyrics, though, which captured my attention.
Lately, I’ve been reeling, watching the nightly news
Don’t seem to find the rhythm, just wanna sing the blues
Feels like a song that never stops
Do you have the blues? In the midst of this “most wonderful time of the year” I’ve listened as friends have expressed dismay over a variety of things.
Many seem like they are struggling, to find their rhythm, or even their “Christmas spirit.” Life’s daily grind is wearing on us. It’s more than the hustle and bustle of the season. It just feels like the world is full of an extra dose of negativity right now.
Back when I was young, my eyes were full of life
But now that I am older, I live at the speed of light
Feels like the cycle never stops
Are you tired, weary or worn? Has the commercialism of the season robbed you of your joy? If so, read on. The song continues:
Gotta get that fire, fire, back in my bones
Before my heart, heart, turns into stone
So somebody please pass the megaphone
I’ll shout it on the count of three
One, two, three
It’s really easy to become jaded. To let our hearts harden. To seal off our emotions inside of a symbolic box, so we don’t hurt. We see things happening around us, and instead of caring, we push away feelings to protect our souls.
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I’m singing to the sky
Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, ’cause this is do or die
The time has come to make a choice
But there’s a choice. We can decide to feel, to let the world in, so we can in turn, minister to those in need.
“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 11:19 (NIV)
I think it comes down to this. We have to pray that God not only gives us a heart of flesh (aka one that feels what’s going on) but gives us a way to help others.
And I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Yeah, I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of night
Oh, with You by my side, I’m stepping into the light
I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you
We are given a choice to choose joy. It’s not always easy, but the effort we use to find joy in our lives can make a huge difference.
We can let things taking place steal our joy, or we can choose to “step into the light” and find joy in the midst of the darkness around us.
In the last few months, I’ve strived to find joy in everything around me. I’ll admit, it was hard at times as I transitioned into this period of life I’ve affectionately dubbed #LifeAfterGateHouse.
I’ve learned to trust God even during the shadows of night. I’ve learned to look for the light in every situation.
A couple of weeks ago I looked at the Lawman and said “I don’t know how to explain it, but I’m ok with where I’m at in life.”
I went on to tell him the dread I used to experience in the pit of my stomach – which built into what I then thought was an ulcer (it wasn’t) – was gone. Instead, I had an unexplained joy filling my soul.
Am I where I thought I would be or expected to be as 2019 comes to a close – um no. But upon reflection, I’ve found myself where God wants me to be – thus the joy. The heavy, hard heart has been replaced with a light spirit.
Choosing joy is a choice. Some days it’s easier than others. It not only means looking for the good, but also accepting – choosing to believe – that God has our best interests at heart. It may take time to see, but knowing God’s desire for our life, especially in this season, gives us a joy – and another reason to celebrate.
Faith Actions
1) Read: Why not take time to read and reflect on the verse from 1 Peter 1:8 in a variety of translations or paraphrases. I’ve included a couple below. What stands out to you as you read the verses? What makes you go “hmm…”? What questions do you have after reading the verses?
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,” – 1 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
“You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing.” – 1 Peter 1:8 (MSG)
2) Draw: What brings you joy? Why not doodle a collage of things which bring you joy.
3) Listen: Need a song of peace for your life’s soundtrack? Check out for King and Country’s Joy here: http://bit.ly/2PMrGZc. Warning, foot tapping and unexplained joy may be experienced.
4) Give: One way to experience joy, is to well, give joy. Why not find a way you/your family can give joy to someone this week. Here’s one thought – find a shut-in / widow / widower in your world and invite them over for a home-cooked meal. Not much of a cook? Take them out to eat.
Want to share about this devotion? Check out the Facebook group at: http://bit.ly/mybitsandpieces
Find Devo 1 Here: http://bit.ly/AdventRest
Find Devo 2 Here: http://bit.ly/HopeAdvent2019
Find Devo 3 Here:
http://bit.ly/Advent2019-Peace