"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2,3
What is joy? Emotion, certainly, but not in the same category as "happiness" which is fleeting.
-deep satisfaction in God, his goodness, grace, love, provision and purpose
-rooted in knowledge that is tested, tried and true
John Piper paraphrases the Westminster Confession: "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. "
I confess I distract myself with trivialities, the shallowest of pursuits, none of which produce joy OR happiness, like playing in a tidal pool with the Atlantic Ocean at my back. But no, that is not apt because tidal pools are fascinating and wonderful, even though much less so than the entire ocean. It is like being invited to the most glorious bangquet imaginable but preferring to eat rice cakes instead, alone, at home, by myself.
Why do I do this!? I think, at the deepest level, even though it is tasteless, boring and bland, I prefer my own company to that of anyone else. I am most satisfied in myself.
(to be continued.)
