Walking with Christ is a lifetime journey, and I’m far from where I’d like to be. After reading Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, I’ve been encouraged to add some new habits to my daily life to help me grow closer to Jesus. One of those habits is solitude. The gospels repeatedly show Jesus seeking time alone with his heavenly Father in the wilderness, and I firmly believe Jesus enjoys seeing his followers participate in that practice as well.  

Finding solitude in an urban setting is difficult, but the closest I can usually get is the beach.

Recently, while I was at the beach by myself, enjoying God’s company, I noticed a group of birds sitting together right off the surf break in the water. It was almost sunset, and with what seemed like precise coordination, they all simultaneously took flight to head home for the evening. As they formed a cohesive group in the sky, one bird dropped down from the group and glided across a cresting wave, riding right in the middle of the wave. After this quick little dip, he ascended and rejoined all the other birds.

Why?

I couldn’t help but wonder. From a naturalist standpoint, why did the bird do that? He didn’t grab a fish or get a drink; I can’t think of any biological reason he would do it. The only thought that makes sense is that he did it for fun, pleasure, and the joy of it.

Also, right in front of me on the beach was an extremely athletic dog chasing a ball tossed by his owner. This dog had some serious skills. He could catch the ball in his mouth after one bounce on the sand, usually mid-air.

Again, God asked me, why is this dog doing this? Better yet, why does he do it over and over again! He knows he can’t eat the ball. The owner doesn’t give him a treat when he brings it back. Sure, the exercise is good for him, but is that really what’s going through a dog’s mind as he runs down the beach? “Wow, I’m glad I’m working my cardiovascular system today,” said the dog???

The answer is so simple, he loves it. He enjoys it. He finds deep pleasure and joy in running down the beach and grabbing a little green ball.

At that point, the Lord asked me, “Amanda,  where is your joy?”

 Ouch…

Because the truth is, I struggle with joy. Life seems to become increasingly more difficult with each passing year. More people I love are hurting, living life seems to get more complicated, and my children approaching adulthood is enough to completely terrify me.

Yet, as a follower of Jesus Christ, joy should be one of the fruits of my spirit. 

I’m forever amazed at the joy suffering believers can have. To me, it’s almost unnatural. To think that Paul had joy in his chains and Peter sang while in prison. In Hebrews, it says that “for the joy set before him, (Jesus) endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b) Jesus was able to endure the cross, because of the joy of pleasing and being reunited with His Father.

One thing has become clear over the years: trying to find joy in my circumstances is a poor woman’s game. My circumstances ebb and flow and are more challenging to predict than the weather. Sure, I might find joy here and there in a fun event or a special moment, but they are rare and fleeting. 

Finding my joy in God is much more stable. David says, “He (God) alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2 CSB) When we trust and seek God, we will never be disappointed. He doesn’t change, get sick, or abandon us; His presence is waiting, just a prayer away. He longs to protect us in the shadow of His wings. (Psalm 91:4)

Perhaps God’s goal isn’t just conviction but also an invitation. God says to me, “If you’ll just come a little closer, I’ll make sure you have joy in me.”

That reality often feels too good to be true. But, if I believe in God’s promises and His word (which I do), it becomes clear that unspeakable, unending joy can be found now, in every circumstance, at the feet of Jesus.