The Wind Blows Where It Wishes
About 13 months ago, I wrote a journal entry titled Life After the Dream. I open the article with this sentence: “What do you do when you follow the formula and you don’t get the desired outcome?” I want to key in on the word “formula.” I find it interesting that I used that term. I forgot that I had even used that term before. It’s significant because over the last 4-5 months, Jesus has been showing me that He doesn’t operate in “formulas” or within boxes:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.
John 3:8 (ESV)
I was saved by Jesus within a network of churches back in 2006. It was the only church experience I ever had, and I was a part of that experience for about 19 years. Although I’m grateful for that group of people, and many are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, there were some habits, principles, and teachings that I’ve had to unlearn over the last 13-14 months.
The reality is that I had spent many years sitting under, reading, and studying doctrine/theology that became a spiritual and even physical weight. I was mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. Although the Christian life brings suffering, hardship, and sometimes a high workload, I can’t see many instances in the Bible where Christians were completely joyless. Even when Christians were experiencing persecution in the early Church, they were still singing songs and hymns and rejoicing as they suffered for the name of Jesus:
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.
Acts 5:41 (ESV)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:25 (ESV)
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Philippians 2:17 (ESV)
And martyrs in Carthage in the 3rd century:
The day of their victory shone forth, and they proceeded from the prison into the amphitheatre, as if to an assembly, joyous and of brilliant countenances; if perchance shrinking, it was with joy, and not with fear.
The Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas, Chapter 6 (R.E. Wallis translation, Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 3, 1885)
Yes, we will go through days, weeks, months, and seasons where we may lack joy or where we have to fight for joy, but if there’s a consistent pattern of joylessness over years and years, something is off. Joy and sorrow are not mutually exclusive:
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
2 Corinthians 6:10 (ESV)
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,…
1 Peter 1:6 (ESV)
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 (ESV)
Affliction, joy, grief, and sorrow all exist simultaneously in the Christian walk. And, as believers, we ought to be the most joyful people in the world:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
1 Peter 1:8 (ESV)
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
Galatians 5:22 (ESV)
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 (ESV)
We must not confine Jesus to formulas, boxes, mantras, bumper stickers, and the wisdom of man. Also, we must not confuse devotion to a church system or organization with devotion to Jesus. Jesus says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30, ESV). I’m not saying to not devote yourself to local churches. What I’m saying is, don’t confuse that devotion with your devotion to Jesus.
Ensure that your devotion to a local church is subservient to your devotion to Jesus. And remember that Jesus is your ultimate authority, and anyone who asks you to do anything contrary to Scripture (whether they are in a place of authority over you or not) does not require your submission.
I’m thankful for Jesus’s persistent intervention and leading in my life. His sheep hear His voice, and He keeps us on the path.