Redeemer Church of Dubai: UAE

Struggling with Joy?

by Glen Jones on October 13, 2010
Category:

Are you struggling with joy? Have you ever thought - "hey, I'm a Christian - I'm supposed to be joyful right now, but I just don't feel like it!"

The answer is not always simple, but the author of this piece of Puritan poetry had a few poignant questions to ask ourselves as we consider why our soul might be so downcast (Psalm 42:5). I was encouraged by it personally and wanted to share it with you (adapted to more contemporary English). You can find this in a book called The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions compiled by Arthur Bennett.

A COLLOQUY ON REJOICING

Remember, O my soul,

It is your duty and privilege to rejoice in God:

He requires it of you for all His favours of grace.

Rejoice then in the giver and his goodness,

Be happy in Him, O my heart, and in nothing but God,

for whatever a man trusts in,

from that he expects happiness.

He who is the ground of your faith

should be the substance of your joy.

From where, then comes heaviness and dejection,

when joy is sown in You,

promised by the Father,

bestowed by the Son,

inwrought by the Holy Spirit,

yours by grace,

your birthright in believing?

Are you seeking to rejoice in yourself

from an evil motive of pride and self-reputation?

You have nothing of your own but sin,

nothing to move God to be gracious

or to continue his grace towards you.

If you forget this, you will lose your joy!

Are you grieving under a sense of indwelling sin?

Let godly sorrow work repentance,

            as the true spirit which the Lord blesses,

            and which creates fullest joy;

Sorrow for self opens rejoicing in God,

Self-loathing draws down divine delights.

Have you sought joys in some creature comfort?

Look not below God for happiness;

            fall not asleep in Delilah’s lap.

Let God be all in all for you,

            and joy in the fountain that is always full.