Joy is an Act of Resistance

For those closely following the World Cup, today was either a day of happiness or sorrow.

The world is a funny place. We put so much stock in things we can’t control looking for happiness. A team winning, the weather, the lottery, the newest gadget, the list goes on. But this happiness never seems to last, because this type of pursuit of happiness seems to be based on fear. Fear of losing, fear of scarcity, fear of failure or fear of rejection.

In the Bible we are reminded time and again “do not fear.”

Thankfully the Bible also gives us the tools to not fear and to find joy. We are reminded in 1 John 4, that God is love, there is no fear in love, and perfect love drives out fear!

In a world where the winner gets it all, where time is money, where money is power, where pain is gain, where fame and fortune bring happiness,

Joy is an act of resistance.

Jesus tells us to use joy as an act of rebellion when he says:

“Love your enemy, bless the one who curses you, do something wonderful for the one who hates you, and respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them.” (Matthew 5:44)

Share joy by sharing love, which drives out fear, which leads to joy. That’s what it’s telling us!

So this week, and in this month of July, choose joy as an act of resistance as we continue to strive to be “The Hand of God, in The Heart of The City.”