So many times other Christians make me angry, frustrated, exasperated, and stressed. I think that Jesus had experienced similar feelings when He walked with His twelve.
Often, being aware of God’s presence brings me anything but joy. A lot of times, when I am reminded that I am standing in His Presence (to name a few), I feel ashamed, guilty, irritated, and yes, even angry.
As I think about “Christian” joy, I am reminded of the one who cried out,
Do not cast me from Your Presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to
me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
This passage of Scripture sounds like it comes from the New Testament, but it actually comes from the hand of David in Psalms 51:11-12. It seems that David had a taste of something that a lot of Christians have not yet experienced. Many of us acknowledge and affirm what Jesus has done for us, but it seems like this reality has yet to penetrate into our hearts.
Joy comes from really knowing who we are, who God is, and the mercy and the grace that overflows from Him. This also why David can declare,
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head
with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days
of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:5-6)
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