01112020 Dogs and Cats

Dear Missionary Lady,

I just saw a recent study about happiness in pet owners. It revealed that 36% of dog owners report being happy and 18% of cat owners. I almost laughed, because that means 64% of dog owners and 82% of cat owners are NOT happy. That doesn't seem very strong in support of owning a pet. (It's 32% for non-pet owners.)

A little further research informed me that the response noted above was actually for "very happy," not just "happy." Still, it is clear that having a pet is not the ultimate way (or even an effective way) of achieving happiness. Happiness is somewhat open to personal interpretation, and it is definitely a temporary and changeable status.

Joy, on the other hand, is much more permanent and concrete. True joy is not found in circumstances or possessions, but in knowing, loving, and serving God. A quick survey of joy in the New Testament reveals joy found in the following. (I included only one reference for each, though many appear more than once.)

Jesus' birth (Luke 2:10)
renewed fellowship with Jesus (Luke 24:41)
realizing Jesus was risen (Matthew 28:8)
guidance toward finding God (Matthew 2:10)
hearing the Word of God (Matthew 13:20)
finding the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:44)
sins forgiven (Romans 5:11)
seeing the power of God (Luke 10:17)
salvation of sinners (Luke 15:7)
answered prayer (John 16:24)
fellowship of believers (Romans 15:32)
the love of fellow believers (Philemon 1:7)
mutual encouragement in the church (II Corinthians 7:13)
obedience of Christians under one's influence (Hebrews 13:17)
serving God well (Act 20:24)
sacrificial and useful service (Philippians 2:17)
suffering for the gospel (Luke 6:23)
maturity-producing trials (James 1:2)
receiving eternal reward (Matthew 25:21)
future presence with Christ (Jude 1:24)

The following hymn captures many of these ideas.

"There is joy in serving Jesus,/ As I journey on my way,/ Joy that fills the heart with praises,/ Every hour and every day.

"There is joy in serving Jesus,/ Joy that triumphs over pain;/ Fills my soul with heaven's music,/ Till I join the glad refrain.

"There is joy in serving Jesus,/ As I walk alone with God;/ 'Tis the joy of Christ, my Savior,/ Who the path of suffering trod.

"There is joy in serving Jesus,/ Joy amid the darkest night,/ For I've learned the wondrous secret,/ And I'm walking in the light.

"There is joy, joy, joy in serving Jesus,/ Joy that throbs within my heart;/ Every moment, every hour,/ As I draw upon His pow'r,/ There is joy, joy, joy that never shall depart."

May you know God's joy in its fullness this week as you fellowship with Him and serve Him.

Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com