I’d be prone to dismiss joy as being essential in these unprecedented times we’re honored to be living in. Further, I fought joy because I considered it more essential to be “responsible” in the face of the suffering of others. However, on this side, I’ve experienced first-hand the effects of personal, family, and cultural trauma without the nourishment of joy. Friends, the work of intercession alone, processing the news, executing the work of our jobs and our families; in these days, without nurturing joy, can quite frankly shorten our lives — or at least disrupt our health.
In 1917, Rudolph Steiner said, and I quote the best I can, “It was easier to be human before the electrification [this referred to global radio waves]. Now, to be human you must increase your spiritual capacity.”
While I don’t agree with some of the stances that Steiner took, I do agree with this very accurate observation he made – over one hundred years ago!
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (NIV, Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit of Wisdom played with joy at Creation (NASB, Proverbs 8:22-31). Joy insulates your heart with strength that grief depletes (NIV, Nehemiah 8:10).
We have to recognize the importance of joy, receive it from the Lord, and make time to nurture it. For our health. For our life. For our calling on this earth. For our family.
That brings me to this. A few years ago, I shared with you about a practice to help recover from PTSD, which many believers are experiencing due to the labor faith and intercession have been, battles in their lives and families, and the long-term difficulties in our nations: 1. make a joy list (think about and write down what brings you joy) and 2. do something from that list frequently.
Movement brings joy to many people. Take some time to move in a non-expensive way. For example, take a walk or ride a bike. Make sure to include on your joy list items that you can access often and with little-to-no money.
Other people find joy in sound. If you have a musical gifting, play your instrument – even if it’s rusty. Get it out and start again! Many of us have access to parks or backyards where birds sing. Listen to them!
Here are keys that will help you bounce back from all the trauma that seems to be increasing and that seems to be broadcast universally:
1. Take a short look or listen. I do mean short. You get the point. EVERY where Father’s ancient enemy works are death, destruction, and desolate wastes. You don’t have to keep looking or thinking about it to recognize those horrible works. Turn away as quickly as possible.
2. Pray. Pray for those affected. Then, pray that Father cleanses you – now, not later. The faster you get cleansed from the side effects of seeing or hearing the trauma, the better. The longer you think about or see it, the more difficult it is to remove it from your inner reality.
Jesus washes with the water of His word. Let His Spirit wash you with Living Water which is truth and love. Ask Him to cleanse you, then listen to the audio Word, read it, and listen to or sing worship music.
3. Be intentional to look at and/or experience one of your joys from your joy list. Move. Listen. Watch nature. Listen to running water. Be still and let your breathing slow. I recommend Tim Janis’ videos on YouTube that say: 1. Beautiful relaxing hymns, peaceful instrumental music, and 2. Beautiful relaxing, peaceful soothing instrumental.
Joy is eternal. It is good and right. Father is full of joy, and He placed joy in His design of each person. It’s going to be a super celebration of joy in Heaven. In the meantime, here on earth, it’s a life-saver. Literally.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Hope Streams
Featured Image by Noah Silliman on Unsplash
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