The Joy of the Lord is My Strength
Why and How to enjoy great moments
“Joy is the serious business of Heaven”
-C.S. Lewis
I was reminded of this quote recently while watching my Lewis climb around on some pillows. His laughter was pure, unfiltered delight—no worries about tomorrow’s to-do list or yesterday’s mistakes. For a moment, I joined him, and the world felt lighter. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:4 there’s “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Yet how often do we truly savor life’s great moments? Too often, I find myself rushing through them, distracted by work or worry. Are you deeply enjoying your life? In this installment of Wisdom Now: Why and How, we’ll explore why enjoying great moments is vital and how to do it, drawing from Stoic wisdom, biblical truth, and modern psychology.
Why
…Is It So Important to Enjoy Great Moments?
Great moments—whether a shared meal, a quiet sunset, or a child’s giggle—are gifts from God, little glimpses of eternity woven into our daily lives. Here’s why pausing to savor them matters:
It Reminds Us of God’s Goodness. Psalm 84:11 declares, “No good thing does [the Lord] withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Every joyful moment is a testament to God’s generosity, a reminder that He delights in our happiness. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 reinforces this, noting that enjoying life’s blessings is a divine gift that fills our hearts with gladness.
It Sustains Us in Adversity. Nehemiah 8:10 famously says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When trials come, the memory of joyful moments acts like an anchor, grounding us in hope. Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius echoed this, urging us to “dwell on the beauty of life” to fortify our resilience.
It Honors God as the Source of Joy. James 1:17 reminds us that “every good and perfect gift is from above.” Savoring great moments isn’t selfish—it’s worship, acknowledging God as the giver of all joy.
It Connects Our Hearts to Others. Think of Mary treasuring moments with Jesus in her heart (Luke 2:19) or Jesus eagerly sharing the Passover with His disciples (Luke 22:15). Joyful moments bond us to those we love, creating memories that endure.
It Renews Us Holistically. Modern psychology supports this: joy boosts dopamine, reduces stress, and enhances well-being. Proverbs 17:22 adds, “A cheerful heart is good medicine,” renewing our bodies (through rest, like the Sabbath), hearts (through laughter), and souls (through connection with God).
Yet, as vital as joy is, many of us struggle to embrace it fully.
How
…Can You Learn to Fully Enjoy Great Moments?
Our fast-paced, distraction-filled world often robs us of joy. A distorted view of God (as a harsh taskmaster rather than a loving Father), a warped theology of pleasure (equating joy with sin), or unhealthy habits (like workaholism or perfectionism) can keep us from savoring great moments. Drawing from Stoic principles, biblical commands, and psychological insights, here are four practical steps to cultivate joy, inspired by your provided outline:
Slow Down: Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry.
Psalm 46:10 urges, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Hurry is the enemy of joy, scattering our attention. Stoic philosopher Seneca advised focusing on the present, noting that life’s richness lies in mindful awareness. Psychologically, slowing down activates the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering calm. Try this: Schedule an hour this week with no agenda—just be present with God, loved ones, or nature.Slim Down: Do Less to Enjoy More.
In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus gently told Martha that Mary chose “what is better” by prioritizing His presence over busyness. Modern psychology’s concept of “selective attention” teaches that focusing on fewer tasks enhances satisfaction. Evaluate your commitments: What can you cut to make room for joy? Say no to one obligation this month to say yes to a meaningful moment.Sit Down: Live in the Now.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 commands, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” Stoics like Epictetus emphasized accepting the present moment without clinging to the past or future. Studies show mindfulness practices increase happiness by anchoring us in the “now.” At dinner tonight, put away your phone and savor the conversation or flavors fully.Look Around: Celebrate God’s Blessings.
Psalm 34:1-2 says, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” Practicing gratitude rewires our brains, per neuroscientific research, amplifying joy. Each day, name three blessings—a kind word, a warm meal, a moment of peace—and thank God for them. As Ecclesiastes 3:13 reminds us, finding satisfaction in life’s simple gifts is God’s desire for us.
Reflection and Application
Great Christians don’t stumble into joy—they plan for it. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 tells us there’s “nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they live.” Jesus modeled this, feasting with friends and celebrating God’s goodness. Let’s follow His example.
Reflection Questions:
What’s one great moment you’ve experienced recently? Why did it feel so meaningful?
What keeps you from savoring great moments (e.g., busyness, guilt, distractions)?
How might enjoying life’s joys deepen your relationship with God and others?
Application Prompts:
This Week: Schedule a “joy moment”—a walk, a meal with loved ones, or quiet time with God. Protect it like an appointment.
This Month: Identify one barrier to joy (e.g., workaholism, perfectionism). Take a small step to address it, like setting a work cutoff time or praying for a renewed view of God’s goodness.
Ongoing: Start a “joy journal.” Each day, write one moment that brought you joy and thank God for it. Review it monthly to see His faithfulness.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. Let’s embrace it, not as a luxury, but as a divine calling. What’s one great moment you’ll savor today?
Ok, I’m done.
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