JOY

Chances are you’ve probably seen something similar to this floating around the internet claiming that if you can read it you are intelligent. These things are challenging to read at first glance because there are so many things that are not right. Some, like this one, have a lot of incorrect characters while others are backwards, upside down, mirrored, etc. I don’t know about the claims of measuring intelligence but if you struggle reading them then chances are you are paying too much attention to what is wrong.

It’s easy to pay attention to the things that are wrong in our world.  Even if you actively try to avoid it there will always be someone pointing them out, trying to redirect your attention. Recognizing what is not right can be a very useful skill but, like many things in life, it can also become extremely consuming.  If we get to a point where we notice too much of what is “wrong” we can become pessimistic.  Pessimism, which is quite contagious, is a state of mind where joy is a rarity. 

It wasn’t quite “right” when Jesus approached the boat…they were far from land at that point.  When Peter hopped from the boat to walk out to Jesus was it a just thoughtless act?  I like to think that Peter was consumed with Hope.  He was so laser focused on the fact that the impossible was possible that he had to join Jesus on the water.  Can you imagine the joy Peter must have felt when he realized that he was actually doing it?

We are told that Peter got scared and began to sink.  He was really present with Jesus at one moment and then—realizing all of the things that were “wrong” with the situation—he began to slip away.  

“Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts? ”” Matthew‬ ‭14:31‬ ‭CEB‬‬

An ability to see what is wrong can be helpful. It can also be a real distraction if you are trying to follow Jesus. It is best to look beyond toward the greater Truth. Don’t let the impossible shadow what is possible. Keep your focus on Jesus and experience the Joy for which your soul truly longs.