Complete Joy

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member and music coordinator, Milt Warkentien.

We’ve now explored the First Letter of John five weeks and have one week to go. I love the picture we’ve used for this series. Is there a better example of complete joy than a belly rolling laugh, especially when it comes from a child? Many have probably seen Michael “Bubs” Roe come to see me at church. That’s definitely a “complete joy” in my life. When you’re reading this devotion the State Fair will be halfway done. I’m in my 39th year selling brats, polish sausage, pretzels, etc.; and while it’s not always a “complete joy” it does bring me a lot of Joy. Where do you find your “complete joy”? 

I’ve struggled at times with the theme, too, because it seems that in 1st John we should have “complete joy” if we’re walking with God; so I find myself questioning if I’m really walking with God because I definitely don’t have “complete joy” in all aspects of my life. Do any of us have “complete joy” in our lives? 

In 1st John 5:3-4 it says, “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” Not burdensome? Not burdensome? Why would we need God’s Grace if God’s commands weren’t burdensome. We are all Saints/Sinners and I surely don’t feel I’ve overcome the world, so this text is very puzzling to me. 

“Complete Joy”? Is it as simple as a belly rolling laugh? Is it doing something that brings us great joy? Is it as simple as walking in faith, with God? 

I love the concept of “complete joy” but am confused about what that phrase actually means to me, for I am a Saint/Sinner. 

I leave you with Joe Davis’s poem from Unearthing Us called “Rhythm of Life.”

 A rhythm when you rise 
A rhythm when you sleep
We all got rhythm if you listen to the beat

There’s a time for rest, 
A time for work,
A time to bless, 
A time to curse, 
A time for death, 
A time for birth, 
A time for everything on the earth. 

What goes in
Must come out

What goes up
Must come down

Our limbs reach for the heavens
While our roots cleave to the ground

We walk in between these worlds
Where many truths can be found

Move at a slow speed
Or at a full speed,
Whatever the pace 
You feel your soul needs
You can hear the rhythm 
If you listen for the beat

Finding your rhythm 
Is finding your flow. 
It’s human. 
It’s nature. 
And we are both. 

-Milt

Let’s pray… God, please help us find our rhythm of life, so that we may walk fully with you, with our limbs reaching the heavens, while we’re still walking with you rooted to the ground. Help us walk with you in all we do, sharing your love for us with the world. Amen