Bringing God Joy
About a month or so ago I found myself reading a book on youth ministry. There was a short paragraph that was written by a youth describing a worship service that she had participated in a few days before. She described the service by saying, “I think God had a good time that night.”
That statement captured my imagination and I haven’t been able to get away from it. I remembered that Soren Kierkegaard wrote that during worship we usually view the people “up front” as the actors, God as the director and those sitting in the pews as the audience. Kierkegaard said that was the wrong view. He said during worship those “up front” are the directors (or prompters), those in the pews are the actors and God is the audience.
Every since I read the statement about God having a good time in worship I’ve tried to remember that God is the audience in worship. My goal, since that time, has been to try to offer to God an expression of worship that would bring God joy.
It hasn’t ended there however. I now find myself asking, “How can I live my life in a way that brings God joy?” What a goal to have! Every other goal I’ve ever had pales in comparison. That question is becoming the driving force in how I live my life. I must also ask the opposite question, “In what ways do I bring God sorrow?” Those two questions keep me on the right path.
During the transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8), Moses and Elijah appeared and the disciples saw Jesus transformed before their very eyes. His clothes were a dazzling white. It was then a voice came from heaven saying, “This is my beloved son. Listen to him. (Mark 9:7)”
I believe one way I bring God joy is by simply listening. There are a variety of ways to listen. They aren’t that difficult, but for some reason we don’t take time for them. One way is by reading and reflecting on Scripture. God has spoken through Scripture and God continues to speak through Scripture. God also speaks through nature. As we take time to drink in everything around us, we can hear God speak through God’s creation. God also speaks in stillness and silence (Psalm 46, Psalm 62).
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Since I’ve been trying to listen better, I notice a sense of gratitude flowing up in my life as I seek to bring God joy. I’m not sure why this is the case. Perhaps because my desire is to bring God joy, I also receive joy at the same time. As this joy grows, so does my gratitude.
My prayer for you is that this Thanksgiving you would discover true gratitude flowing in your life as you seek to bring God joy.
Peace,
Dave.