Where are the joyful Christians?

Rev. Charles Spurgeon

This happens all the time. I come up with a good idea for this site; I wrestle with the words; I write a few; I strike a few; I go away; I come back; I think I have the proverbial “writer’s block;” and then, I open an email and find a quote, that works, from Charles Spurgeon via BibleGateway.com!

Charles Spurgeon Preaches
A healthy Christian is one of the liveliest creatures on earth. When he is at work you may hear him sing. He cannot help it; do not blame him for a little noise. Let him sing, and laugh till he cries. Sometimes he cannot help it; he will burst if his soul may not have vent. When he begins to talk about his Lord his eyes flash fire. Some people hint that he is out of his mind; but those who know best assure us that he was never before so sane as now. Of course, the world thinks religion is such poor stuff that nobody could grow excited about it. To my mind, cold religion is the nastiest dish ever brought to table. True godliness is served up hot. Newness of life means a soul aglow with love to God, and therefore earnest, zealous, happy. Let the believing man have space for his larger life, swing for his grander joy. Nay, do not gag him; let him sing his new song. If any man out of heaven has a right to be happy, it is the man who lives in newness of life. Come, beloved, I want you to go home to-day with the resolve that the newness of life shall be more apparent in your walk. Do not live the old life over again. Why should you? What good would come of it? — Charles Spurgeon, "Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life"

The Lord definitely does work in mysterious ways, doesn't He?

Where are the Christians, anyway? I do not see many who are overjoyed with their lot in life, do you?
So I won’t drone on and on about the missing joyful Christians.

I’ll just respectively suggest that we follow Spurgeon’s take on the matter, that we explore the true meaning of a healthy Christian existence.

That we embrace “a soul aglow with love to God.” That we accept God’s tender mercies. That we understand that in Jesus Christ we are new creatures. Ultimately, that we resolve to serve our Christianity up hot and full – full in the knowledge of Jesus’s death on the cross and resurrection on the third day. That we sing the new song of faith and forgiveness. That we enjoy life to the fullest; embracing His way in everything we do, think and say.
That we “take up our cross daily” (Luke 9:23) and follow Him in joy and thanksgiving.

Today’s Intercessory Prayer
Pray for your family and spiritual friends (and for all Christians) that they would continuously experience community grounded in love and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Prayer
Lord, help me to see where I am rejecting some aspect of your will for me. Help me to obey and believe, believe and obey. Help me to be joyful in life in You. Amen