Share Joys

      I don't know what your church is like or if you even go, but in the many different churches I have attended over the years I've noticed that when or if the pastor asks for joys and concerns, there are typically a lot more concerns than joys. Some might say that this observation is a testament to the state of the world, that we are all heavily burdened because of the sickness, corruption, and strife in the world. I don't think that's it though, I think those are definite reasons why we do hear so many concerns, but I don't think that it in anyway explains for the lack of joys shared.
      I think sometimes when we have joys we hesitate to share them because we convince ourselves it's no big deal, it's not important enough to be shared, or the worst one of all, no one will care. I can honestly say there are many times where I am really excited about what God is doing in my life, but when the pastor asks for joys I keep it to myself, for every one of those reasons I just mentioned, and I'm certain I'm not the only one who does this. Why are we so willing to share our pain, but hesitate to share our joys? Why do we share our big joys and neglect to acknowledge the little ones? Is there really such a thing as a little joy?
       Obviously, I don't have all the answers, but I do know the answer to changing this trend is easy. We start sharing our joys, even the ones we think no one will care about. Sharing joy is an important part of how we encourage others. When we share how God is working in our lives we give hope to our brothers and sisters and praise to our Father. We don't have to wait for a big joy either, the 'small' joys are worth sharing too and should be shared. It's in the 'small' joys that we see how God works in our day to day lives, and knowing that He is working in our day to day lives for our good makes it easier to want and work for your relationship with Him.
        As I write this today, I'm starting to think that really there isn't any small joys, just that we become used to things and forget to see their real value. And I think we choose not to announce our gratefulness for what we perceive as small joys or small blessings because we are afraid. We fear someone else may think it's silly so we keep it to ourselves, and that's exactly how Satan prefers we keep it.
       If we aren't sharing our day to day joys with each other we can't teach others the many ways in which God manifest Himself in our day to day lives. If they aren't learning to recognize that the Father is always at work they won't look for it, and if they aren't looking for it they won't see it. After a while of not seeing God's presence in their life it becomes easy to believe that God is too busy for them, or worse yet, doesn't exist. Once those types of thoughts have entered the mind and taken root in the heart it leads to destruction. So share joys, not just concerns, joys to teach how much our Father loves us, and concerns so we may lift each other up in prayer for whatever that need may be and the knowledge that there are others supporting you who care.
       I realize to some I might be making a big leap, they may not agree at all with what I am saying, and that's fine. What I am sharing here is my opinion based my experiences and observations. From personal experience I spent many years in church hearing many concerns and only 'big' joys, this did very little on enlightening me to the character of God because the amount of pain revealed was more than joy, which didn't make sense if God is a loving God. Then, I met someone who saw God in the big and the small. They taught me to look for the Father in all things, to recognize His work, and by their sharing the joy they had received from the Father with me, they caused me to look past religious beliefs and start seeking God in a real way. And when I started to seek Him, I found Him, and in more ways and places than I expected, and as I discovered Him, He changed me and is continuing to change me. All because someone dared to give thanks for the 'little' things and share it with others.

Proverbs 8:17

17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

 

Psalms 5:11-12

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

 

Psalms 63:5-7

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

1 Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.