Comments on: Annoying Biblical Directive #7 - Be Joyful Always

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:25:00 +0000

My heart nearly sank when I read, “Search your heart and ask yourself if there will be pessimists in heaven.” That hurts. A lot. An immediate confrontation to my all-too-often pessimistic heart.

Pessimism is a struggle of mine - justified by my interpretation of Ecclesiastes, suffering I have touched, etc. At the end of the day, joy is either found in God, or wickedness ensues in so many seemingly justifiable forms - anger, control, fear, depression.

How does one obtain joy? It cannot be mustered, can it? I don’t think so. Joy, like salvation, like sanctification, is a gift of God. Psalm 43 speaks of a progression in vv. 3-4: 1) Holy hill 2) Dwelling 3) Altar 4) God Almighty! God’s presence is the ultimate joy. Will we approach God or shy away in fear? Will we sit before him undone by his ransacking mercy or remain distant in pride? Will we allow God to sing over us or will we criticize the foolish people who have not formulated flawless theological grids as we have? I am a fool! I am in the latter category of all these questions! Psalm 43:5 - “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

By: Don

Don — Sun, 02 May 2010 00:54:20 +0000

Pessimism or realism? A rose by any other name is still a sin. Most pessimists, myself included, find it difficult to experience the joy of Christ. Bottom line – the Bible wins and that settles it. I do not believe we need to be uproariously happy, I do believe we need to be joyful. The joy is in the gift of salvation, which transcends anything we encounter in this part of our lives. We have eternity to bask in the worship of our God and experience a fellowship that we cannot understand at this point.

What more do want? As Joe pointed out we want to be RIGHT. That is perfectionism, which is a completely different part of the flesh that has to be crucified.

I have been fighting both of these battles most of my life. The reality of Biblical truth does not make the death of the flesh any easier. Fortunately Christ will NOT leave us or forsake us and the growth in our faith will continue. We can be joyful about that. The death of any part of our flesh is painful, no matter what lesson God is teaching us. I resist and often fight against the very things that will release me from some spiritual pain. Pessimism and perfectionism are no exception. Thank God for seraphs with burning coals.

By: Denise

Denise — Sun, 02 May 2010 18:48:57 +0000

From an optimist. I am a strong melancholy which naturally leads itself to pessimism. Over the years I realize I have turned into an optimist. Joe, you hit it on the head–
if pessimism robs you of your joy you have fallen into sin.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and Jon is right we do not muster it.
Psalm 43:4b–”God my joy and delight.” (not spouse, kids, job, country, church, accomplishments, family, travels, intelligence…) Will there be pessimists in heaven? My answer: Pessimists are going to heaven and when they get there they
will be eternal optimists!!!!