Joy in the Simple Things: Finding Peace in a Busy Life

Introduction

In a world where life gets busy, it's easy to overlook the simple things that bring us joy. We often find ourselves caught up in our daily routines, chasing after material possessions, and striving for success. However, research has shown that the most peace, money, and leisure is also the one with the most malignant sadness. This raises an important question: how can we find joy in the simple things when life gets busy?

The Power of Practice

The Bible teaches us that joy comes from God, and we are freed to take joy in the things He has blessed. He is the God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:17). This means that we don't have to look far to find joy. We can find it in the simple things, like eating, drinking, working, and enjoying the beauty of creation. As Richard Foster said, "Joy is the keynote of all the Disciplines." This means that as we practice disciplines like solitude, fasting, serving, and worship, we can find joy in them.

Creating Our Own Purpose and Joy

In a world where life gets busy, it's easy to feel like we're just going through the motions. However, the Bible teaches us that we have the power to create our own purpose and joy. We can choose to focus on the things that bring us joy, rather than getting bogged down in our daily routines. As the Bible says, "Make your own joy" (Eccles. 5:18-20). This means that we don't have to wait for something exciting to happen to find joy. We can find it in the simple things, like taking a walk, enjoying a good meal, or spending time with loved ones. By practicing disciplines like gratitude, celebration, and worship, we can cultivate a sense of joy that is not dependent on our circumstances. As we do this, we can experience the joy that God has promised to us, and find peace in a busy life.