Permission Given

I read a blog recently by Michael Sullivant that really touched my heart and I want to share it with you.  It is about permission given to experience joy and playfulness.  So much of our lives is spent in survival and waiting for the next “shoe to drop”.  But God created us for joy.  I’m including and excerpt with a link to the full blog. It is worth the read!

“Many believers assume joy is the reward for a faithful life.

Scripture suggests something different.

Joy is not merely the fruit at the end of the journey. It is part of the fuel that carries us along the way.

God designed both our brains and our souls to thrive on relational joy, the experience of being with someone who is genuinely glad to be with us. At the deepest level, joy is not happiness about circumstances. It is the settled assurance that we are seen, wanted, and delighted in.

This is why the gospel is such good news.

The Creator of the universe is not merely tolerating you.

He is glad to be with you.

Right here.

Right now.

Yet many of us struggle to receive that reality.

When joy begins to emerge, something inside tightens. A quiet voice whispers:

"Don't get too excited."

"This won't last."

"Something bad is coming."

"Be careful."

Before we know it, we have retreated from delight back into vigilance.

Not because we lack faith.

Not because we are rebellious.

Not because we do not love God.

Often it is because our nervous system learned long ago that joy was dangerous….”

To read the rest of this blog, click here!