We can always find a reason not to be happy, especially, it seems, these days. While we are collectively mourning the state of the world, there are also millions of little personal crises happening every day.
A million different little things that can bring us down, if we let them.
As the sun comes out and the summer weather starts approaching, I find myself rejoicing. But then I almost feel guilty, as if I shouldn’t be happy in this time. As if by being depressed and worried I am standing in solidarity with the millions of people affected by this pandemic. As if that is the right disposition to have when things are going all wrong.
And yet, while there is so much pain and suffering in the world, I notice little things that bring me joy:
The birds singing in the morning in my backyard
The first cup of coffee
FaceTime calls with my dearest friends
Hiking the trail and listening to beautiful music
And I hear my Father saying “I created these things for your enjoyment. Enjoy them!”
The world tries to bully us into fear. We are made to feel that if we are not constantly worried about everything we are irresponsible or unfeeling. But what human can stand under the weight of the world? I know I can’t.
Jesus doesn’t lay this burden on us, but invites us to rest and find joy in Him:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
This is my favorite verse in the Bible because it reminds me of my freedom in Christ. It reminds me that following Him is not a duty or a chore, but my deepest delight and desire. That in Him I can let go of all my fears, concerns, and worries, and step into joyful and light living that isn’t bogged down by the cares of the world. It seems too good to be true, but it is His promise to us if we will trust Him and be willing to give up our anxious dispositions in exchange for joy. We are so used the the heaviness of life that we cling to it with everything we have, but there is a better way.
Pain and suffering in the world is not new. If we don’t learn now how to rejoice, we never will. In Him we have permission to rejoice.
rhythms of grace 