Joy

Hi everyone-

I pray the new year is going great for you.  I started the spring term at school this week and have some pretty interesting classes.

The professor gave used a quote in New Testament class which is really sticking with me.  Here it is:

"Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God" - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

I think there's something profoundly true about this statement.  What's more, from my experience I believe I've seen this to be true for myself as well as others.  First, let's look at the converse.  Would you consider people who are bitter or hostile close to God (generally speaking)?  Wouldn't these typically be markers that someone isn't connected to the Holy One?  When you're bitter do people want to be around you?  I know I'm absolutely no fun when I'm bitter about something ... and if God is "with" you people will generally be drawn to you, right?  So, I think one could conclude that there are attitudes that indicate a person isn't near the presence.

Now, consider the flip side.  Do you know anyone whose typically pretty joyful?  Don't you find yourself drawn to her/him?  I know I am.  It's easy to by joyful when things are going well though right?  Have you ever met a person whose life circumstances just plain suck (sick, unemployed, getting divorced, etc) but they're filled with joy?  Has it ever seemed to defy reason, as in there's no way they should have joy in that situation?  I think that's God.  God isn't about happiness, in my opinion, God is about joy.  God brings joy.

With that in mind, I think joy is the best indication of a person being near to God.  What do you think?

Grace and peace,
Lang

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