Keys to Being SO HAPPY, (part 2) Join Jesus in His Work

Have you found your sweet spot with Jesus: that moment when everything comes together, you know you’re in the center of His will, and feel His joy?

My sweet spot is when I’m teaching the Bible. It’s what I love to do. When I’m teaching, I experience God’s joy.

If you’re attempting to better learn what it means to experience Christ’s joy, you may want to consider whether you’ve found your sweet spot with Him. 

Sweet Spots in Unusual Places

Jesus’ disciples surely must have been surprised when they discovered their sweet spots. When Jesus appointed and sent them out, their assignment sounded ominous. “Go,…I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” Now, that doesn’t sound fun, does it? But, it gets worse. “Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes, and greet no one on the way.” I’m confused. I thought we were talking about having a fun time with Jesus. Maybe singing Kumbaya and roasting marshmellows around a campfire.  

What’s all this talk of being a lamb around wolves and not even having enough money to call home? And, I can’t imagine not taking my carry on and an extra pair of shoes. “NOT FUN” is written all over this assignment.

However, perhaps if you and I were with Jesus on the day He was handing out this assignment, our ears might have perked as He continued, “Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” At this point, we might be thinking, “Well, healing people sounds fun; but then again, being around sick people doesn’t.”

 With mixed emotions and quite a bit of trepidation, we head out. You and me – in two’s; just like Jesus said. We entered a city. We greeted people, “Peace be to this house.” We healed the sick. Then, it hit. Joy struck our innermost being. We felt it. No, better, we experienced something deep within us that was better than “fun” or “happy.” It could best be described as joy.

The Seventy Returned with JOY

Luke 10:17 tells us, “The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”

The seventy went on their assignments. Dusty roads, insects, no airplane snacks or drinks. They went to work; to do what Jesus told them to do. The word “fun” was not apparent in the assignment. If you read Luke 10:1-16, you’ll find Jesus’s additional warnings about their mission venture. So what happened that caused them to return with joy?

I think the only explanation is they experienced something beyond their natural selves and capabilities and it was exhilarating. Note again what they said and Jesus’s response. “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” In other words, they experienced miraculous power to heal. But they also experienced miraculous power over demons. Bottom line, the disciples experienced God’s power and it was a rush. It was invigorating and thrilled them. 

Asleep at the Wheel or Spiritually Charged?

Did you know that many times we’re probably “asleep at the wheel” spiritually? We may sludge through our day, perhaps look about us and thank God for His blessings and offer prayers for others to get well and travel safely. But we’re not in the sweet spot of service. We’re not actively joining Jesus in His work. If we were, we would be around wolves, but we’d also be experiencing His joy.

Join Jesus in His Work

Christ’s Spirit is power, love, joy, and more! When we do as Galatians 5:25 advises, and “walk by the Spirit,” there is a dynamic working within us that is beyond our natural self and ability that causes us to experience joy. Recall what the disciples experienced: power beyond themselves…and joy.

Why not consider if you are living in your sweet spot with Jesus. Or, if you are going through your day in your own energy and strength. What we consider “down” emotionally may be a simple case of boredom. God created us to be in communion with Him. That is a pretty amazing reality: that we can to talk to the Maker of the Universe and Him talk back. That we can be on assignment for God.

No, being squished between two people on an airplane enroute to lead my P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conferences isn’t fun. No, layovers aren’t fun. No, being away from my husband isn’t fun. But, standing to serve Christ, to open His Word, and pour out His heart is a joy. So for me, it’s back on an airplane, or maybe a drive across town to teach. What is it for you? In what arena of serving God do you experience your spiritual sweet spot and joy?

Find Your Sweet Spot

If you’ve lost your sweet spot or maybe never found it, it’s not too late. Jesus has a gazillion assignments. Here are a few suggestions to help you find your sweet spot in serving Christ. 

First, kneel if you can. If not, bow your head and tell God you want to join Him in His work.

Second, look around for a need. Are volunteers needed in your church nursery? What about delivering food? Or, collecting canned goods for the hungry. Does your church have a prayer ministry? Is there a clothing collection with which you could help? Are you involved in a Bible study? Would it help if you arrived early and set up the chairs? Can you sing in the choir? Do you have faith? Then actively encourage those around you. Put your computer to good use and email Scriptures. Ask your pastor and others what you could do to help. As you see or hear of pleas for help, respond rather than assume someone else will do it.

Third, be intentional about daily reading the Bible and listening for God to speak to your heart. As God prompts you and brings ideas to your mind, respond. For instance, I let the Hill Country Ministries prayer team know that we’re going to celebrate the completion of taking the P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference to the 25th state by hosting a P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference in Kerrville in 2012. Friends are already offering to help. Not only does their offer bring me joy, I know they will be filled with joy as they help.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as unto the Lord. (Col 3:23 Find your sweet spot and experience God’s joy!

Father, thank You for allowing us to join Christ in the work He is doing on earth. Help us be sensitive to areas in which we can serve Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.