Journey into Joy
We often think of Easter as just a single day — but in the Christian calendar, Easter goes on for 50 days!
These 50 days are sandwiched between two of the most important moments of the Christian faith: Easter Sunday, which just happened, when we celebrated how Jesus was raised from the dead, and Pentecost, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.
(If you were wondering, this year, Easter is on April 20,
and Pentecost is on June 8!)
Wedged between the certainty of our living God and the promise of his presence with us, Easter is a season marked by joy! But sometimes joy can feel allusive for us – particularly when our world is marked by polarization, confusion, and uncertainty.
50 Days of Joy
My friend Alastair has spent a lot of time thinking about joy – and every year he offers a challenge to celebrate 50 days of joy. Every day he asks God to surprise him with joy. And at some point in his day, he spends time looking back on what happened to see when and how God revealed his joy to him.
I think my heart needs this challenge this year. And I want to invite you to join me:
Each morning, pray and ask God to surprise you with his joy.
At some point in the evening, or before you go to bed, take 5-10 minutes to be still, and prayerfully remember your day. Where did you experience God’s goodness and beauty?
It might be helpful to keep a diary or a journal, and at the end of each day write down how God surprised you with his joy.
Daily Reflections
If you would like even more opportunities to pursue joy, you can sign up to receive a daily email with a scripture verse and reflection through the season of Easter.
Longing for Joy
Alastair Sterne has recently written a book called Longing for Joy: An invitation into the goodness and beauty of life.
I’m going to be reading through this book throughout Easter, and I’d like to invite you to join me. You can order a copy online.
If you’re reading along and would like to discuss it together, let me know!
