'My joy may be in you and that your joy may full' John 15:11
Excessive happiness is the theme of the movie Patch Adam. It is based on the true story of a doctor who wanted to build a hospital where the ethos is humanity and laughter. Patch Adams used play, laughter and humour to treat his patients with significant success especially for those with mental illness.
In the 1998 movie, Robin Williams plays a doctor who thinks play is part of healing. The movie starts with a suicidal Adams in a mental institution who discovers a new view on life by using pranks to manage his condition. After qualifying as a doctor, Adams started a free clinic where he clowns around with patients as part of their treatment.
In life we must learn to take things less seriously, relax and have fun. William Wilberforce asserted that Christians should learn to have fun, 'God has provided a multitude of ways to provide good, proper recreation and amusement. True Christians find relaxation in the company of friends and social discourse. They enjoy the benefits of the experience of love, hope, joy and all sources of goodwill extended toward others. The deeper source of happiness comes from the peace of mind from a relationship with Jesus Christ.'
Dallas Willard wrote 'One of the most outstanding features of Jesus' personality was precisely an abundance of joy.' He want to give us His joy and there should not be any joyless Christians. Such Christians did not learn this secret, they are running on their own steam and are not anchored to God so that they may go though life not expressing this joy that is in them.
Jesus reveals to us God's love so that His joy may be ours and that our joy may be complete. This abundance of joy or excessive happiness, is a hallmark of Christianity. C.S. Lewis discovered this early; in the autobiography of his conversion to Christianity, expressed that in becoming a Christian he appropriated Joy. Hence he entitled this book, 'Surprised by Joy.'
I think that there is a difference between happiness and joy; happiness is a state of the mind whereas joy is a state of the soul. Some people think of joy as a feeling but feelings can be fleeting, subjective and dependent on circumstances whereas as a blessing from God it is best seen as an attribute, a quality in the person. The Chinese have a saying that it will show on faces, that which is really a quality within.
The bible promises:
'You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. 'Psalms 16:11
'The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.' Psalms 126:3
'You will go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the filed will clap their hands.' Isaiah 55:12
'You have made known to me the paths of life, You will fill me with joy in your presence.' Acts 2:28
Dr Adams used happiness to bring healing to the body and mind but the joy that the Lord gives is healing for the soul. Let's determine to be and stay joyful all the days of our lives, as advised by this verse on a greeting card.
'Choose this day to live in Joy
Life goes by in a blink of an eye.
It is too short to live upset, angry, resentful or ungrateful.
Choose to be happy, to be at peace
Decide each day is going to be a great day
and grab each moment and make the best of it.'
Be joyful in every circumstance for 'The Joy of the Lord is My Strength.'
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
The joy of the LORD is my strength
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
He heals the broken-hearted and they cry no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
He gives me living water and I thirst no more
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha (ha ha)
He fills my soul with laughter
Ha, ha, ha … ha, ha
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
If you want joy you must ask for it
The joy of the LORD is my strength!
Lionel
