Thoughts on Joy, Suffering and Christmas

Emerald Bay, California (trekearth.com)

November 28, 2011

A. The Joy of ?

Our church brought in a guest speaker that discussed somewhat the subject of 'joy'. Philosophically and theologically this is an interesting subject for me. I thought the speaker was good and helpful and so I am not picking an argument, but in my mind with my MPhil/PhD background in freewill and determinism I do philosophize on human 'joy'. From a Christian perspective should 'joy' primarily be understood as the responsibility of human attitude and free will (what I would deduce would often be an evangelical and secular response) as opposed to 'joy' being primarily the responsibility of God to give to persons?

Browning reasons Biblical 'joy' is more than an emotion, as it combines a sense of human happiness with a state of blessedness. In the Old Testament it is marked by festivals (Deut. 12) and by settlements of grievances brought to the Temple (Psalms 43). In the New Testament he explains that 'joy' is prominent in Luke/Acts due to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which can also be seen in Galatians 5. Browning (1997: 210).

Creath Davis explains 'joy' is a delight in life that goes deeper than pain or pleasure and from a Biblical perspective would not be limited or tied to external circumstances. Davis (1999: 588). 'Joy' is given from God as a gift and can be experienced during very difficult and extreme circumstances. Davis (1999: 588). In both Testaments 'joy' is presented as sign of one being a believer and a sign in the believing community, it is a quality of life and not simply an emotional reaction or feeling. Davis (1999: 588). This 'joy' comes from God (Psalms 16, Romans 15), and is an aspect of faith and one's life with God. Davis (1999: 588). 'Joy' is also connected to weakness and suffering when it has redemptive purpose and is bringing persons to depend on God (Matthew 5 and 2 Corinthians 12). Davis (1999: 588).

Further, Davis mentions that psychologically one cannot experience 'joy' while being preoccupied with self-security, pleasure, or self-interest. Davis (1999: 588). There is a freedom that comes when God alone is the 'only adequate center for human existence, and God alone can enable persons to experience life with joyous spontaneity and to relate to others with love.' Davis (1999: 588)

From Strong. Two of the main examples of 'Joy', one from the Hebrew Bible and one from the New Testament.





BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Oxford Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

DAVIS, CREATH. (1996) ‘Joy’, in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

STRONG, J. (1890)(1986) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Burlington, Welch Publishing Company.

In my conclusion I lean to the idea that 'joy' is primarily a gift from God to believers and less so something than can be developed by human means, although I would not in any way discount prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers in the process of developing personal 'joy'. The Lord does work through his people and in other ways, persons in general. From my theodicy, problem of evil and suffering research, and personal living perspective, a practical difficulty with 'joy' is when God wills suffering for what ever good (Romans 8: 28-30) is intended in one's life and these sufferings directly effect one's security, health, happiness, self-interest, pleasure, etc. Here is where I state that although the sufferer should thank God for blessings obtained (salvation in Christ, material and spiritual blessings, lack of curses, etc.), ultimately, although the person should actively be praying, and working to improve one's life, it is primarily the sovereign God's responsibility to provide the 'joy' not primarily the person's change of attitude or actions with the use of free will.

This does mean that a person may at times for a time, which is not set, be depressed or miserable, (the Biblical example of Job comes to mind perhaps) as he or she waits obediently for the Holy Spirit of God to provide 'joy' or 'joy' in greater measure.


Cernay, France (trekearth.com)

B. D. A. Carson Harsh Reality

Taken from MPhil, University of Wales, Bangor 2003 (now Bangor University)

MPhil

2. Harsh Reality

Carson began Chapter 1, First Steps, by noting stories of people who had suffered.

He stated:

The truth of the matter is that all we have to do is live long enough, and we will suffer. Our loved ones will die; we ourselves will be afflicted with some disease or other. Carson (1990: 16).

This is a cold yet a realistic statement. Suffering touches virtually every human being. If a person believes in God, yet he/she suffers, how should this individual deal with this intellectual tension? I think suffering, in one way, should be seen as a sign of human weakness, we have a fallen nature which resulted from sin. We all pay the price, and it does not always correspond to how good or evil we appear compared to our fellow human compatriots. God makes use of human suffering despite, as Scripture repeatedly says, loving us. This suffering, from a human perspective, can help people find God by reminding them of the temporary nature of human life.

As human beings, at best, no matter how much one is dedicated to God in Christ or how much one loves others, no matter how successful a person is in life, and no matter how many goods deeds are accomplished, each person perishes in a single solitary death. This is likely in old age and, as Carson stated, people may witness their loved ones dying and may suffer with disease themselves.

If God is not to be ignored concerning suffering and death as uncaring, powerless, or nonexistent, then when one thinks of God, one should also ponder on human death which exists within God’s creation. This seemingly is more productive than sweeping death under the rug philosophically, and seeking to live the best possible life, ignoring the Grim Reaper until he won’t leave! This harsh reality should be considered by anyone serious about knowing God. I think this can be a motivator to seek God and avoid sin which can be pleasurable, but in the end is destructive.

In Hebrews 9:27 it is stated: " And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgement ." New American Standard Bible (1984).

Christian life on earth should be seen as temporal, but sin can be largely avoided by viewing daily life as within God’s directive, realizing judgement follows death.

Yes, all sin, but knowing that death is certain (hopefully later, than sooner) means that God’s ever present judgement awaits us. I admit that I sin but, by God’s grace, it is tempered by the harsh reality of eventual death and a certainty that an infinite, omnipotent and loving God awaits to speak to me in person for the first time. My suffering now is a reminder that this leads ultimately to death. . . sobering but effective.

CARSON, D.A. (1981) Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility, Atlanta, John Knox Press.

CARSON, D.A. (1990) How Long, O Lord?, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

C. Merry Christmas

I like Christmas. When I was a child seems to me at around December 1 society and the media starting celebrating Christmas. Now with commercialism and other factors I suppose it is November 1 to after US Thanksgiving when 'Holiday Season' arrives all the way up to the first week of January. So I guess I should conform...I am ready.





D. Video