Oy Vey: The Lesson of Joy

Most of us have heard the acronym J-O-Y: Jesus first, Others Second, and You, last.  I have recently had my own applecart overturned.  I generally placed Jesus first, served others without always really letting them into my heart, and quickly running to the Y part of the acronym. Jesus has been pushing me 'out of the nest,' so to speak- asking me to really engage with people, despite their track records.  While attempting to do that, I have found that Jesus got shoved to the side as I tried to make sense out of the O and Y. When you put the two together, you get the great Yiddish word, Oy as in Oy Vey! Translation: "Oh, My Gosh! That's what happens when you take the "J" for Jesus out of Joy. You are simply left with Oy Vey!

I have spent the last week listening to teachings on joy from the book of Philippians.  I have wondered how I can serve the people. It is only through God's strength that I can serve others. As I am in God's presence, I am enabled and empowered to serve: "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).  God enables me to give to those who cannot give back to me and all the while without being angry. In the natural, we would think these people are simply moochers or leeches.

If I look at my 'watch,' I might think that too much time has passed and why aren't there greater changes in the Body of Christ. I have recently realized that it is more about timing than time. Paul's joy is based on his right relationship and the presence of God in believers: "More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation" (Romans 5:11). He realizes that they are a 'work in progress,' and so must I; otherwise, I will lose my joy in being frustrated over what I see as too little change in too much time.

For months, I have sought reconciliation with a dear friend, so I understand Paul's desire to be reconciled with other believers. When there is a break in relationship, there is a sapping of power and joy. My prayer is that all believers "be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified [us] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:11-14). When I remain cognizant of my position and the position of every believer as purchased by grace, I can extend mercy to myself and others.

"Y"- Only when I center on God, do I really understand me, for it is God who "make[s] known to me the path of life; in [His] presence there is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). I know who I am and what my purpose is- to love and serve Jesus and others. It is nothing for God if we act badly when mistreated; however, if I can respond with love and joy, it truly is a testimony- a living epistle to others around me.

Lord, help me to see people through your eyes; to esteem others higher than myself and do nothing out of selfish ambition.  As I esteem Christ in others, I am free to enjoy others and allow God to use me and give me purpose. As I rest in God’s hands and allow others to rest in God’s hands, I remain in joy.

Joyfully Yours,

M. J.