Pathways to Joy

It’s Monday morning and I’ve just completed five loads of washing. Who would have thought at this stage of my life I’d spend so much time and energy washing sheets, making beds, cleaning guest bathrooms? And yet, as I hung the sheets this morning, I was aware of a sense of joy. It wasn’t joy that comes from doing something pleasurable. My knees and back sometimes tell me that washing and cleaning is actually not a lot of fun. But the joy that comes with sharing our beautiful environment, the peace and beauty of our property and home, still surprises me. Seeing people rest, feel restored and rejuvenated, whether from retreat away from their busy city lives, or from intentionally spending time with God, is a great blessing for me and I’m grateful to be living out this long-held dream. Yet, the joy I experience, sometimes when I least expect it, still surprises me.

I’m reflecting on a recent reading from Barbara Holmes (“Embodied Joy”, CAC’s Living Essentials of Engaged Contemplation, Centre for Action and Contemplation, August, 2024), who says, “The greatest antidote to depression and oppression is joy.” While that seems an obvious answer to one of the greatest issues our society faces today, finding joy is not simply a matter of taking a pill or easily changing the circumstances and memories which steal our peace and cloud our happiness. There is so much in our world that is tragic and damaging to us and those we love. Watching the daily news is proof enough of that. It’s understandable that many people find it hard to experience joy among the sadness and struggles.

A common definition of joy, found on the internet, is … ‘an emotion characterised by feelings of great pleasure and happiness, often associated with well-being, success, or good fortune.’ This makes joy seem like something many people will rarely experience and something most of us have little control over. It’s wonderful to be surprised by joy when something beautiful happens in our lives, when we have some form of success or good fortune, or when someone touches our life with an unexpected word or gift of love. However, as joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God, and the Spirit dwells in each of us who are God’s children, surely the joy God wants us to experience is a far cry from the fleeting moments of pleasure that come from successes in the world or even the blessing of good health or good fortune, which are all so transitory.

I’m challenged by Holmes’ understanding of joy. She says, “Joy is a choice. Our lives are so short; to live with joy seems a no-brainer. Why waste time of issues that we can’t control?”  I’ve never found it easy to think of joy as a choice. It’s one of the fruits of God’s Spirit I’ve been hesitant to claim. Happiness, contentment, peace; yes, these I’ve been readily able to recognise and experience, but joy has often seemed illusive, or I only become aware of it at surprising times. Holmes continues, “Your body holds memories of both joyful and difficult moments in your life. Think about something that made you angry, and your body will supply the distress and angst to go with the memory. Think about joy and happy moments in your life, and your whole body smiles. Joy offers a peace that surpasses all understanding. Once you experience joy, once you find those inner pathways, it leaves markers toward those inner resources so that you never lose sight of them again.” 

This makes sense to me. I know how powerfully our thinking can affect our emotions, both positively and negatively. I’m sure I’m not the only one for whom finding intentional paths to joy seems a worthwhile venture.  Holmes makes some helpful suggestions to this end. One of those paths is through meditation, sitting in silence and bringing one’s mind to a more peaceful state where we can direct our thinking towards joyful memories or anticipations. Music helps some people. To focus on the words of a worship song, to sing along or allow the music to seep into our minds, can help to bring us to a peaceful place in God’s presence.

Another suggestion, one I love, is to intentionally awaken to the joy in nature, purposefully paying attention to sunsets and sunrises, to the sounds of nature; birds singing, ocean waves, the humming of a breeze in the trees. Developing an appreciation for these signs of God’s presence and provision can move us towards joy. Also, marking special occasions with celebration; birthdays, anniversaries, transitions, can prepare us for happy memories in the future; memories we can draw on to bring us relived joy. Community can also engender joy for us. Whether joining with others for worship, for connection, for fun, for service to a cause we all believe in, there can be joy in coming together with others of like mind, where we can share our lives and have a sense of belonging and purpose. This week we had a gathering of some of our new church community at our property; around a fire pit, eating together, getting to know each other a little better, sharing stories, watching the children play. We are building friendships, developing a sense of community, trust and belonging. And yes, creating a memory that will bring a smile to our faces in later times.

If we are indeed the dwelling place of the Spirit of God, which in itself is a cause for wonder and joy, then surely we need to pursue joy, expect joy, and find those pathways within ourselves that lead us to an abundant sense of joy, joy that is deep and abiding, in spite of our circumstances, the challenges and troubles which we will all have this side of heaven.  In this we are witnesses of God’s Spirit in our lives. Such joy is sure to lead others towards joy, for nothing is quite as engaging and infectious as pure joy in another person (perhaps most often seen in children). However, I believe our heavenly Father wants us all to know this joy, no matter our age, no matter what burdens and grief we must carry throughout our life’s journey. This is a joy not only for eternity but also for this life. It is gift from God, a fruit of His life within us.

Jesus made it clear to His disciples that His love for us and our remaining faithful to Him would bring us a joy that is far beyond any worldly understanding of joy. This is the joy I pray all of us who love Jesus will experience as we open ourselves to the work of God’s Spirit within us and throughout our daily pursuits. May you be surprised by joy today and may that joy enrich and encourage your journey to an even deeper, more abiding joy.  

 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now, remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  

John 15: 9-11