Joy & happiness

As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan blocked our way. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Yes, you are our glory and joy! 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

While we always read Scripture from within a particular context and moment in history, there are times in which it seems almost impossible to not read our present reality into a past moment. For example, when we read the Apostle Paul’s words about being separated from those he loves in person but not in heart.  Quick question how many of us  in 2020 cannot relate to this sentiment? I imagine we have all seen heartwarming images during this pandemic of loved ones who are separated in body, but creatively showing their love and affection for one another in heart. I think of the parade of cars driving past loved one’s homes on their birthdays, graduations, or anniversaries. Even when we are forced apart, our hearts remain deeply connected with those we love.

Self-care is an important and essential part of human flourishing. We must learn to tend to God’s renewing work inside of us as we are remade and reborn as children in his kingdom. And yet, regardless of what we are often told, true joy and fulfillment is not found simply in our own self-satisfaction. There is a greater and deeper life that is only found when we give ourselves away for the good of others.

Joy and happiness is found when we invest in others and see them become the people they are purposed and destined to be. Though the Apostle Paul had certainly been personally transformed by the love of God in Jesus, this was not his hope or joy. What was you ask? Seeing that transformation in the lives of his friends, and all he came into contact with. Their new life in Christ was his great joy and source of abiding hope, and it is meant to be ours as well.

In order to know the joy that Paul speaks of, we must be willing to first do the hard work of living and loving for the sake of others. What does it look like for you to truly give your life away, without expecting anything in return? It is so easy to live out of mixed motives, doing good for another yet still mindful of the benefit that comes back our way. Yet what a gift it would be to long to see someone face to face for no other reason than to see them living life as God made it to be lived, and that alone being for you and me a deep well of unspeakable joy.