“Look at the birds of the air,” Jesus said to the crowds gathered around him. He was teaching them about their life through lessons gleaned from nature (Matt. 6:26). When was the last time you paused long enough to observe birds?
Our lives today are starting to increasingly resemble the uptight rushing of rats and methodical marching of ants, rather than the contented and joyous singing of birds. Where would your lifestyle fit? Have you been frantically preparing for the new year?
The desire to purchase every item on never ending lists of goods in order to obtain happiness or be ready for is a recipe for joyless life.
The Bible is full of references to delight, joy, bliss, exultation, merry-making, and rejoicing. Indeed, from “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth!” (Ps. 100:1) to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4), we are urged to lead joy filled lives.
When was the last time you paused to reflect on the level of joy in your life and gave it the attention it deserves? The gospel of Jesus remains a scandal, indeed, because it announces joy right when challenges surround us.
There is a time to ponder the sobering reality of evil. However, a person is fully human, “when joy is the fundamental thing in him, and grief the superficial. Melancholy should be an innocent interlude, a tender and fugitive frame of mind; praise should be the permanent pulsation of the soul. Joy is the uproarious labour by which all things live.”
Jesus has promised us His joy, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Jesus is supremely desirable. In this new year, intentionally renew your joy every day in loving relationship with Jesus Christ. When we do, birds will return and sing.