Today I had the privilege of getting together with my friend, Pastor John Gorveatte from The Center Church in Grand Rapids, to talk about developing the holy habit of celebration–practicing JOY. I loved chatting with him live and hearing the questions come in from people who joined us over their lunch breaks.
If you’ve followed me at all here at Joy Let Loose you know that I talk a lot of practicing JOY. But I loved the perspective that Pastor John brought with his questions, and the opportunity to consider how this particular season of quarantine can impact this holy habit. I also realize how timely it is for us to slow down and allow our perspectives to be opened to the idea of practicing JOY.
I hope you enjoy and share something you take away from it in the comments below!
I mentioned in the interview Brene Brown’s thought that vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging and joy. But I didn’t talk about another aspect she spoke about with which I also resonate: FEAR of joy.
In hindsight, I can see that I had lived a long time afraid of joy. Vulnerability births joy, but joy itself is also very vulnerable. Because what if someone snatches it away? What if it doesn’t last? What if I give in to joy and then realize it it gone or it was never real?
“Just that maybe … maybe you don’t want to change the story, because you don’t know what a different ending holds.”
Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
What a lie from the enemy to steal, kill, destroy our joy!
Celebration points to the Joy Giver. It calls out realities of God as Provider, Sufficient, GOOD. So why wouldn’t the enemy of our souls want to make us fear it and quench it?
How are you practicing joy during this season? Where do you need to grow in this holy habit? How can I encourage you in those things?
I pray that you would let JOY be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything, be always giving thanks for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16-18 TPT)