Monthly Post

I have been praying for a greater measure of joy, as well as increasing wisdom in parenting. So, I consequently have been reading in Psalms and Proverbs for my time with God. Wow. I am learning a lot about joy, its true nature and source being rooted in the gospel. I say "learning," but these are things I know already. I suppose, "experiencing the reality of this on a deeper and more foundational level" might be a better description. Joy, you see, in my functional beliefs, is largely based on getting what I want, and not really having to work for what I get. Effort, in my self-absorbed opinion, robs me of joy. So, having to do the hard work of correcting my children, responding to sinful behavior, seeking God through reading, prayer and meditation, caring for others, cleaning my house, etc.etc. or really just having to live in a fallen world, all made for some serious lack of joy. My source of joy has been a dried up well of self-effort tempered with the poor, sludgy substitute of comfort and ease. Man, where's the gospel? I think I have been ignoring it's power and function as the true source of joy. Looking over the Psalms, I am constantly reading of circumstances, emotions, and afflictions that far outdo my worst battle with a toddler. Over and over, the writer uses the truth of God's unwavering faithfulness, strength, mercy, and love (all most clearly demonstrated in His gracious response to my sin by sending Jesus Christ to suffer and die for my substitutional punishment) to strike a deathblow to his emotions, and to overpower the influence of his circumstances. The result is some of the most compelling declarations of happiness and joy, anchored outside of himself and his circumstances. If I desire that kind of joy in God, clearly, I need the truth of Scripture, most pointedly the truth of the gospel, to be poured over my thoughts and my heart. This I have in unhindered abundance through the Holy Spirit, through the Word, and through the Church. More on wisdom later...