DISCOVER JOY
Dr. Joy Bodzioch guides us as we study what has been called “The Beatitudes” (the blessings). Jesus presented these blessings as a recipe for a joyful, fulfilling life. We can have “vibrant mental health” (joy) if we follow each part of the recipe. As we develop each quality of the recipe in our hearts and actions, we are able to fulfill our destiny in this life and of course, for eternity. Each facet of the beatitudes seems to be a paradox. But as we study and follow Jesus example, we see how we are to live.
Because of her background in psychology, “Dr. Joy” has seen so many people suffering from emotional, mental, and spiritual distress. Without dismissing the need for some to seek professional counsel, she wholeheartedly believes that Jesus’ way is the way to overcome the painful thought processes that diminish our joy. I am grateful that she has chosen to share her words of wisdom and experience with us. Her knowledge and use of scripture is incredibly helpful, and reminds me that the answers to life are truly in God’s word. Dr. Joy also uses many questions and practical steps that help me to reflect and apply what I am reading.
This book guided me to the first beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” This is where I must begin, recognizing my desperate need for God. I always say that I am nothing without Him, but as I read I gained a deeper commitment to those words. Being reminded of my need for God, the next step is to mourn for my sin. I have been a Christian for 35 years, and even now it is crucial to recognize sin in my life and take sin seriously. The scriptures that Dr. Joy provided, along with her words and examples, convicted me to confess and deal with attitudes and behavior that hurt God and others. As Dr. Joy puts it, “When we are unloving, impatient, angry, critical, unkind, harsh or unforgiving, our sin not only prevents us from living peacefully with others, it can do long-term and even eternal damage to the people in our lives.”
As I continued to read about the steps that include meekness, hungering for righteousness and so on (you will have to read them for yourself!) I was reminded of the powerful way that God’s word has changed me and persists in changing me! Since I have been pursuing holiness and joy for a long time, I loved being reminded that, “Of course this is not an overnight process. Spiritual growth is much like human development: with our cooperation, over the course of years through a series of starts, stops, mistakes and victories, God works to mature us until we become fully the person he created.”
Blessed are those who read “Discover Joy”, for they will be instructed by scriptures, guided by truth, and encouraged on their journey to biblical joy.