I remember having a conversation with my mom at least 25 years ago regarding a friend of hers who was going through some struggles. Specifically, she had been declining physically for years and was now virtually immobile on her own. Sadly, my mom shared, this friend of hers was also becoming increasingly cranky! I think we could all understand how those circumstances could cause that.
I had read a devotion recently that prompted me to say this to my mom, “Maybe it’s time for [her friend] to live less in the physical world and more in the spiritual world.” Honestly, I don’t know if that was especially wise or especially naïve on my part! I think all those years ago, it was likely more naïve. It was my attempt to “fix” my mom’s friend’s pain. To “help” her achieve a little more joy in her life. I know better now. It wasn’t my job to do either.
However, I believe the words I said are true, especially if understood in a different, less judgmental context. I want to apply my well-intentioned advice to my own life and perhaps shine a little light on this whole concept of attaining joy. Especially during difficult times.
So keep this concept of “living more in the spirit and less in the body” in mind.
As I enter the last few decades of my life (at most), I look back on the things and people and circumstances and events that brought me great joy. They were clearly gifts from God and intended to be enjoyed as such.
But as time passed, I’ve lost much of what was on that list. Loved ones have died, homes have been sold, friends have occasionally moved on, health is more fleeting, family gatherings are rare and many other changes, too numerous to mention.
This isn’t intended to be a “woe is me” statement. It truly is a matter of what happens over time and as one moves into the later seasons of life. My life isn’t void of that entire joy-inducing list. But it isn’t quite as jam-packed as it was 10-20 years ago.
That doesn’t mean I’m joyless. I am evermore cognizant of what brings joy to me today. Of course, it is still friends. And I do love my smaller urban home! There are other earthly pleasures I still enjoy.
But the lion’s share of my joy now comes from the multitude of facets of my walk with God that keep getting better and better.
My joy now lies PRIMARILY in the spiritual – just as I suggested for my mom’s friend all those many years ago. If this friend were still alive today, I would likely offer the same suggestion. But I would understand the deeper place from which that would come. It would come from my own experience and from the wisdom God has gifted me with throughout those 25 years.
It’s not a flash-change. Oh no, it’s a gradual process where the things of this world, while still blessings, bring us less profound joy as we put an ever-greater emphasis on the spiritual, the eternal, and the oh-so-much-more satisfying things of the Lord!
I don’t wish for you an absence of earthly joys. Not at all. But I do pray that as your own life seasons change, you too will see the wisdom of focusing your joy on all that will last well into eternity.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
You speak so much truth here! Spiritual joy is the ultimate joy for us all. When we go deeper into our spiritual self, it is there one will find the things in life that really matter. One’s spiritual growth is a life long journey and never ends. I am enjoying that journey and see the changes in me every day. I give praise and glory to my God for never letting me stray too far from his grasp! Joy and happiness can be found and are phenomenal once again!