Photo by MI PHAM on Unsplash
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
Many of us have experienced great losses in the last two years. I lost two of my friends to cancer; several of my friends lost loved ones in unexpected tragedies; we’ve been isolated and experienced the worldwide chaos triggered by Covid. Under such circumstances to talk about fun may sound frivolous and out of touch. But I have good reason to believe joy is exactly what we need.
Research shows that fun releases endorphins which promote an overall sense of well-being. And happy people have better relationships with others. The Bible supports turning on the joy even in challenging circumstances.
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Joy Is Biblical!
From prison the Apostle Paul wrote:
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4 NLT).
King Solomon, the wisest of kings wrote:
“A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Pro. 17:22 NLT).
A Psalm addressing the injustice of the wicked getting away with their evil schemes includes this admonition.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires” (Ps. 37:4 NLT).
These biblical admonitions show this Thanksgiving is the perfect time to count blessings—not calories.
“And Nehemiah continued, ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’” (Neh. 8:10 NLT).
How do you add cheer to your day? I’ve been trying to corral my renegade thoughts and take delight in the gifts of the present moment.
Oswald Chambers said, “I am ever playing in God’s Presence as well as praying in it.” I like that. I’d love to hear how do you sprinkle joy on your day.
I pray your heart will overflow with thanksgiving this week and always!
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That Chambers quote!
Wow!
That grabbed my attention too, Michele. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love this! I’m grateful to have loved ones who are very good at play because they help me rejoice! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Bethany, having those playful people in our lives is a real gift! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes, as Michelle and you wrote, the Chambers quote also snagged my mind. Thank you for sharing so many Scriptures of joy. I used to continue playing with children until my many surgeries. Then I learned I can be childlike even in my heart and ways when I am with children, just not getting down on the ground with them. I now sing in my heart sometimes or read God’s Word or talk with a special friend on the phone and those will bring joy too.
Linda, I remember C. S. Lewis saying that as we grow older and lose some things we used to enjoy, new ones open up. Thank you for sharing yours!
This is a great addition to what I’ve been focusing on to curb my sinful tendencies – add a little something into every day that brings you joy or you will end up searching for it in places you don’t want.
Great application, Lauren!
Debbie, I’m sorry about the loss of your friends. Love that you remind us how joy is biblical. I’ve always heard that walking and exercise releases endorphins, but I did not know this about fun activities. It makes sense! Thank you for this reminder.
Thank you, Karen!