Several months ago, I received a really nice compliment from my twenty-year-old grandson, Andy. He came home after his first year of college, and when the whole family was eating together, he asked, “Pop, how come you and Nana aren’t grouchy like a lot of older people?” Now, I know preachers aren’t supposed to make themselves the hero of the story very often, but I have to brag about my grandson’s grandad. I have many flaws, but I am a joyful person. This week, I turn 81 years old, and I’m probably more joyful than ever. I laugh more and enjoy life more than ever.
I was pleasantly surprised by my grandson’s observation, but it allowed me to remind him that the secret of joy is our confidence in Christ. If we believe what we say we believe, then older believers should be “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). The best is yet to come!
I explained it to Andy this way: I hate long flights. When I’ve flown from Korea or China to the United States, it takes 13-14 hours. Even though I read, watch movies, or nap on the flight, I dread it! So, when do you think I’m the happiest – fifteen minutes after takeoff or fifteen minutes before landing?
Considering that fifteen minutes before landing, I don’t look as good as when I started the trip. I’m exhausted after the long flight, and the changes in air pressure and turbulence have caused me to feel less than my best. Yet, fifteen minutes before landing, I’m much happier than when I started the long trip because I’m almost home. The same applies to the life of a Christian. Older Christians may not feel as well or look as good as when we started, but we should be filled with joy because we’re almost home!
Churches should overflow with senior adults whose joy-filled, upbeat spirit inspires others and contrasts with a despairing world. We should live with inexpressible joy because eternal life awaits us. The Apostle Paul reminded us, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Last week, I led a retreat at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, and taught through the book of Philippians. The theme of the study was Great Joy Regardless of Circumstances. The Apostle Paul uses the words “joy,” “glad,” and “rejoice” nineteen times in that brief letter. That is impressive when you realize Paul wrote the book under terrible circumstances—he was a prisoner, chained to a Roman guard!
Robert Morgan’s book Calm Your Anxiety highlights the difference between happiness and joy.
“Happiness is an emotion. Joy is an attitude. We can’t always control our emotions, but we can control our attitude. Every day we awake, we can say with the Psalmist, ‘This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it’” (Psalm 118:24 CSB).
That is why the Apostle Paul could be joyful even while in prison.
Jesus was joyful. His assignment of dying on the cross certainly didn’t bring happiness, but Hebrews 12:2-3 teaches, “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Even in the shadow of the cross, Jesus encouraged His followers: “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature” (John 15:11).
When we are grumpy and melancholy, we alienate others, make ourselves miserable, and waste the precious present. When we make a daily choice to be joyful, we live each day to the fullest, are more fun to live with, and are a much better witness for Jesus Christ. So, choose joy! Regardless of your circumstances, act like you believe what you say you believe. You’re getting closer to home!
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:2-3).
