October 27, JOY is Theistic Optimism About Life

At church on Sunday, I gave a definition of joy by Dr. Michael Heiser: JOY is Theistic Optimism About Life

Theistic means God-centered. And to have optimism is to expect the best possible outcome in every situation. It’s the glass is half-full attitude. Optimism is better said, hope! Because biblically, hope is anchored in trust and faith in God.

So we can rewrite the phrase this way: JOY is God-centered HOPE about life.

JOY is TRUST in God. The level of joy we experience, shows our level of trust in God.

To trust God with our lives is to live with the assumption, that ultimately, God knows what He is doing and our life will turn out the way God wants. God is always working (Jn 5:17, NIV). God knows what He is doing. God loves us. God knows what we need (Matt 6:8). God is all powerful. God is going to get His way. No one can stand in His way.

Here is a one hour spontaneous worship video for soaking prayer: John Mark Pantana: Trust