Wednesday – Contagious Joy
Buddy the Elf from the movie, Elf, has quite the quotable quote, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loudly for all to hear” While funny and integral to the plot of the movie, there is some common ground with the Christian Faith that this movie portrays. As we see in this passage from Sunday Acts 16:22-34, Paul and Silas after wrongly being thrown in prison and beaten with rods. They could have responded in any way that would have been justified in our eyes. If they complained or were bitter, we would understand, because we know we would be bitter or complain. However, Paul and Silas treat the jail cell as though it were the Temple in Jerusalem.
The darkness of the cell became the context for Paul and Silas’ prayers and songs to the Creator and Redeemer of humanity. Was this natural to them? No, it was foreign to their natural state, it was Spirit inspired. In the place were there had no hope, no light, no victory, Jesus was the place of joy. This was not just miraculous, it was also a discipline for them. It was the result of a practice of not letting others and not letting circumstances get them down as they have been in ministry.
So was it the Spirit of God or was it their discipline? Yes! God had molded them and shaped them through all their work so far in preaching the Gospel and being representatives of Jesus Christ, that it developed a reflex of joy. And that joy was accompanied by power and purpose. So too, can we have such a joy today.
Have you ever been struggling and interacted with someone in a more difficult situation than you only to find that there was a strange joy and confidence in Christ that was lacking in you? Oftentimes, we might beat ourselves up that we do not “get it” as a Christian the way that they do. This could not be more wrong response. The same joy that they have in Christ can be yours when you call our as a humble beggar to the rich provider, as a needy child to an abundant father. You have the same source as they do.
Practice joy in the small things by asking your Father through Jesus to give you joy. Sing to him a favorite hymn, song or carol. Sing the Doxology and watch it change your perspective. Sing praises and realize that you are joining in on the heavenly host before the throne now. Sing praises and know that God’s love in Jesus has been poured into your heart.
But what if I can’t sing today? There is just too much fear, too much struggle, too much darkness. Well then listen to others praise Christ. Ask others to sing for you and near you. Then, just as the earthquake set the prisoners free, God will work to unlock the shackles of despair. He will give joy through the Gospel and, just like the jailer in Philippi, we can know that Jesus is how we can be saved from sin and wrath; as well as joylessness and fear.
Another marvelous quotable quote from GK Chesterton, a theological “elf” if you will, is in regard to the Church and faith in Jesus: “Abandon all hopelessness, all who enter”. Abandon it this morning! Sing this morning. Hear others sing this morning as well!
Blessings, Jerry