Joy.FULL - Feeling Empty on a Full Tank

Joy.FULL - Feeling Empty on a Full Tank

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, presented by Matthew Vander Els, delves into the profound difference between happiness and joy, particularly in the context of the Thanksgiving season in the United States. The common perception of Thanksgiving often revolves around eating a large meal, watching football, and perhaps feeling a temporary sense of happiness. However, this teaching challenges us to look beyond fleeting happiness and cultivate a deeper, more enduring sense of joy.

The speaker begins by recounting a conversation with someone from the Netherlands who found the American tradition of Thanksgiving somewhat peculiar – a day of excessive eating, drinking, and passive entertainment. This observation serves as a starting point to question the true meaning of contentment and satisfaction in our lives. The core message of this teaching centers on the idea that while happiness is often tied to external circumstances and acquisitions, joy is an internal state rooted in gratitude and a connection with something greater than ourselves.

Drawing upon the insights of a Methodist minister named Anna Robertson, the teaching explores the ancient Greek understanding of happiness. In that context, happiness was often associated with freedom from everyday worries or the unexpected arrival of good fortune, such as finding money or recovering from illness. In modern terms, this might equate to the temporary elation of buying a desired object like a new car or a dream house. However, the speaker points out that this feeling of happiness is often transient; it doesn't endure. We might achieve a long-sought-after goal, but the initial thrill eventually fades, leaving us searching for the next source of happiness.

In contrast, the ancient Greek concept of joy is presented as a culmination of being, a state where one's soul is in a good mood. It's described as something that originates from a deeper source, potentially divine or from the soul's rejoicing. Joy is portrayed as a virtue that develops with wisdom, not a beginner's virtue. A key distinction is made: joy arises when we are content with what we possess. This leads to a crucial formula: the things that make us happy can only lead to joy if we are grateful for them. Therefore, happiness plus gratitude breeds joy.

The teaching emphasizes that a lack of contentment hinders gratitude, and without gratitude, we cannot consistently experience joy. We might possess many things – good health, family, material possessions – but without a grateful perspective, we will not look at them with a sense of deep, abiding joy. This idea is connected to a familiar song lyric, "I've got the love of Jesus in my heart, and I'm so happy," where the speaker suggests that the "happy" in this context is more accurately described as "joyful" because it stems from thankfulness for a spiritual reality. Joy, then, is described as taking great pleasure and satisfaction in something and expressing an intense feeling of satisfaction.

To further illustrate the cultivation of joy through gratitude, the teaching outlines three levels of gratitude.

The Three Levels of Gratitude

Level One: Magic Words

The first level is termed the "level of magic words," which involves the basic act of saying "thank you" and responding with "you're welcome." This is the foundational level taught to children, a simple way to acknowledge a kindness or a gift. Thanksgiving, in its basic sense, aligns with this level – giving gratitude to someone who has done something for us. The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 is used to exemplify this. Ten lepers were healed, but only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus. This act of returning to give thanks represents gratitude at the magic words level. While most adults have mastered this level, it can sometimes be forgotten.

Level Two: More (Attitude and Behavior)

The second level is simply called "more" and is often referred to as the "attitude of gratitude." However, the teaching stresses that merely having a grateful attitude is insufficient; gratitude must translate into behavior. Just as having a "yoga attitude" doesn't equate to being able to perform yoga poses without practice, a mental acknowledgment of blessings doesn't necessarily mean we are truly living gratefully. A quote from Brene Brown is used to underscore that gratitude is a practice, requiring intentional action. Gratitude without practice is likened to faith without works – not fully alive.

The verse 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you," is presented as a key scripture for this level. This doesn't mean we should be thankful for negative circumstances like illness or loss, but rather thankful in all circumstances because we trust in God's greater plan.

Level Three: Infectious Gratitude

The highest and most challenging level is "infectious gratitude." This is where gratitude moves beyond attitude and consistent behavior to a point where it influences and encourages gratitude in others. If gratitude leads to joy, then joy naturally results in contentment and satisfaction, which in turn gives rise to generosity. True generosity, the teaching argues, stems from being content and grateful for what we have. We cannot be genuinely generous if we are constantly seeking more and feeling unfulfilled.

Luke 6:34 is referenced, where Jesus speaks about lending without expecting anything in return, encouraging a generosity that goes beyond reciprocal actions. This kind of selfless giving, fueled by contentment and gratitude, leads to a great reward – more joy and being recognized as children of the Most High, who is kind even to the ungrateful.

Application for Everyday Life

• Practice saying "thank you" intentionally and sincerely in your daily interactions.
• Cultivate a daily practice of gratitude, such as mentally or verbally acknowledging things you are thankful for.
• Keep a gratitude journal to actively reflect on your blessings.
• Express gratitude to loved ones – your spouse, children, and friends – verbally and through your actions.
• Seek to be thankful *in* all circumstances, trusting in God's plan even when things are difficult.
• Focus on appreciation rather than accumulation; find joy in what you already have.
• Practice generosity with your time, energy, and resources as an expression of your gratitude and contentment.
• Look for opportunities to encourage gratitude in others through your own example of joyful generosity.
• Reflect on the blessings behind inconveniences, such as being thankful for a utility bill because it signifies warmth in your home.
• Be present and engaged with your loved ones, showing gratitude for their presence in your life.

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References

Bible Verses

• Luke 17:11-19
• Colossians 3:15

Books and Resources Mentioned

• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

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