Sometimes my tastes run counter to macro culture, and other times I'm right there with the masses - like the way I can't get enough of Pharrell's "Happy" song. The more I sing it, the more I belt out 'clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth.' Because that's more than a feeling for those who know God through Jesus.
God created simply because it 'pleased'' God to share existence with others. When creation went awry, Jesus 'endured the cross for the joy set before him' (Hebrews 12:2) of redemption and restoration of 'all things.' When we live and abide in Christ, we inhabit his kingdom, and 'The kingdom of God is...a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit' (Romans 14:17). And God wills and provides for joy through creation to all people: 'Yet God has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy” (Acts 14:17).
So clap along if you feel that happiness is the truth - our God is good and joyful, and invites our participation in His joy.
Which reminds me of some happy and joyful moments I've had in the past week.
First, I got to preach at the 6 week old Lake Forest Church -WestLake for the first time. What joy to see the servantmindedness of the LFC launch team and to see and 'feel' eagerness in the air over anticipation that God is doing something special in this new Jesus-centered worshipping community.
I don't know about your work, but we've had a long run of intense ministry this winter at Lake Forest. So it simply made me happy that yesterday, to break up a 2 day meeting, I took visiting EPC pastors from Brooklyn, Berkley and Sacramento to go Go-Kart Racing in Mooresville (you know, since they are in NASCAR country and all). I chose the race name of 'JR.' It was such a BLAST that we listened to country music as I took them back to their hotel last night at 10:30.
Last but not least, due to the aforementioned busy season, our staff is happy and satisfied over a season of good and fruitful ministry, but a bit tired. So Mitch White planned our staff meeting to match that this Monday. We divided into teams and had a competition involving 3 events - the best one being rolling-office-chair races around a track in The Box. What a blast! Since our church won our denomination's 'Bart Hess Award' last year, competitive juices flowed to see who could win the 'Fart Less' award among the staff team - you are welcome to drop by our offices this week and view the trophy.
All that to say, in the words of Pharrell, "I'm happy."
