Joy in the Simple

One of my close friends and I are studying "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (I highly recommend it) together in discipleship and we came across this line in Bonhoeffer's memoir:

"Bonhoeffer was as open as any man could be to all the things which make life beautiful... He rejoiced in... the greatest and the simplest things in life."

This struck me- "all the things that make life beautiful", "rejoiced in... the simplest things in life"? Wow! What a phenomenal testimony to the joy of the LORD in His life!

What are the big things in your life right now? Since many of us are quickly approaching Finals Week for our respective University, it's easy to get caught up in the exams and papers that are pressing. The economy and potential job-security issues might be on other peoples' minds, and all of these things can cause stress which can lead to a loss of joy! But when does the Bible say we should be joyful?

1 Thessalonians 5:16- "Be joyful always."
Philippians 4:4- "Rejoice in the LORD always; I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Psalm 118:24- "This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Some common themes running through these verses: ALWAYS. EVERY DAY. How is it possible when all of the responsibilities in life are weighing down upon us? Bonhoeffer had it figured out: by rejoicing in the simple things in life.

Paul learned to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:11-13), and because of this he could do ALL THINGS (ie find joy in every situation) through Christ who strengthened him. It didn't matter if he had little food, or plenty. If he was poor, or had great wealth. He could survive and be joyful in EVERY situation because He relied upon his Heavenly Father for strength.

I am SO blessed because I can always be thankful for a family that loves me- the best 5 immediate family members to ever live. Whenever I'm having a rough time in sports, I can thank the LORD for and find joy in having the privilege of playing organized sports and the ability to move! When I'm frustrated with a friend, I can be thankful for having a friendship in the first place. Friends and family ARE gifts from the LORD! We NEVER have an excuse not to be joyful...

No matter what your circumstances, you are called to be joyful always. Follow Bonhoeffer's lead: rejoice in the simple things of life, the things that make life beautiful.

The Artist's Canvas...

I sincerely apologize for the long delay in between blogs, but I have another one coming soon (Lord willing)! The Lord has still been teaching me great stuff, I just haven't made the time to write a blog... 

Today the Lord blessed me with this analogy:

Life is an artist's canvas. You have the privilege of having a portrait painted of yourself. You're given two options: one, you can paint it yourself (a self-portrait) or two, you can have Leonardo da Vinci (or your favorite portrait painter) paint it. Which would you choose? 

The obvious choice is da Vinci, for you're probably not as great a painter and the artist can see your appearance much better than you can. In the same way, we should let God, the Master painter, paint the portrait of our life. We think we can do such a great job when, in reality, we really can't see the big picture. 

So as you walk life, each day hand the brushes over to the LORD and say "God, You paint my life" and put your full trust in His perfect ability. This way, He gets the glory of the finished product...

Praise Him!