Finding Joy

Nothing ever remains the same. As we age, our abilities and responsibilities change, forcing us to adjust our expectations. For most of our lives, we continually increase our skills and knowledge, taking on additional responsibilities. We associate “self-worth” with those responsibilities and provide a source of income.

There are several careers that most of us assume bring a sense of joy to everyday activities, such as teaching, nursing, and the ministry. Truth is, many of us stand at the fence and compare the color of the grass on each side. Some say, “If you allow Jesus in your heart, you will have Joy in your life.” There is certainly truth in that statement, but there is more to understanding Joy.

Person A: If I had a million dollars, I would be happy!
Person B: If I give you a million dollars, will you give me your eyes?
Person A: No, I will not give you my eyes for a million.
Person B: If I give you a million dollars, will you give me your right arm?
Person A: No, I will not give you my right arm for a million.
Person B: If I give you a million dollars, will you give me your child?
Person A: No, I will not give you my child for a million.

This example explains how we think that if we could just add something like a million dollars, we could be happy, but at the same time, place a higher value on something we already have.

Walk in Wisdom
¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:15-21 NKJV

It is easy to feel like everything we have, we have earned and assume it will always be ours, so we need more to have Joy. For many years, our careers provided a sense of purpose that provided an opportunity to contribute and support our families. Other family tasks were assigned to us for many years that have been taken over by others as we aged. With retirement and fewer current responsibilities, that “fixer” badge no longer fits.

We have replaced our list of responsibilities with a list of things we can no longer do or will not be asked to do. When we look to the Bible to find purpose in our declining years, there is a clear message to be discovered. We gain wisdom through our life of experiences and have a better understanding of what is important and what works best over time.

To share wisdom, you must first listen to understand how to apply wisdom. Others may seek your input, but not your decision.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6 NIV

We may not get up each day with a “to-do” list or responsibilities that others are depending on; however, we do need to be available to opportunities to serve, even in the smallest way. Our hearts should find Joy in being willing even if not required. Remember, we invested many years in getting our love ones to the point of self-dependence, so we should count that as success.

Count Your Blessings
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Randy Travis – Above All