By David Faust
In 2002, I accepted the invitation of the board of trustees to become president of Cincinnati Bible College & Seminary. During my first year in that role, well-meaning friends asked, “Are you enjoying the job?”
It wasn’t easy to answer their question.
I didn’t take the job because I thought I would enjoy it. Did I sense God’s call to do it? Yes. Did I believe in the school’s mission of equipping Christians to lead the church and shape the world? Yes, absolutely. Was my job meaningful, challenging, and at times rewarding? Yes, of course. But was it enjoyable? To be honest, no—at least not much of the time.
Ups and Downs
I enjoyed chapel services where students and faculty worshiped the Lord together. I liked chatting with knowledgeable professors who could answer tough theological questions. It was fun to eat lunch with students in the cafeteria and attend their concerts and ballgames. I enjoyed showing visitors around the campus, meeting alumni, and encouraging ministers and missionaries.
Each May, graduation ceremonies brought tears of joy as we said goodbye to students who had become dear to us. In August, freshmen orientation introduced us to new friends as we launched into the uncharted waters of another school year. There were even enjoyable things about the fund-raising part of my role, because it gave me a front-row seat to watch generous, faith-motivated donors make a lasting impact on God’s kingdom.
But I didn’t enjoy trying to balance budgets that seemed unbalanceable. Or trying to appeal to 18-year-old prospective students without unduly offending 80-year-old financial supporters. I didn’t enjoy the never-ending pressures, difficult decisions, and unrelenting criticisms my role required.
Along the way, I learned it’s possible to have joy in your heart even when aspects of your life aren’t enjoyable.
A Steady Source of Joy
Joy is more than light-hearted levity based on happy circumstances. It’s not a fleeting feeling; it’s a fruit of the Spirit—a by-product of God’s presence in your life. It’s an attitude to adopt, a choice to make, a freedom to embrace, and a command to obey: “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16, New International Version). “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Joy comes from knowing your sins are forgiven, your present has a purpose, and your future is secure because heaven’s welcome mat says, “Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
Christ was a Suffering Servant, yet he was “full of joy through the Holy Spirit,” and he told his followers to “rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20-21). He endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2).
I have met individuals in less-than-happy circumstances whose lives exude authentic joy. How is it possible to find joy in patients who suffer constant pain or terminal diseases . . . or in workers who are stuck in difficult and boring jobs . . . or in elderly retirees whose best days (from a worldly perspective) are behind them? How could first-century Christians serve the Lord joyfully when neighbors slandered them and powerful leaders hated them? How can believers today who are afflicted by poverty and persecution continue to worship the Lord with faithfulness and determination?
Nehemiah 8:10 reveals the secret. Even when life isn’t enjoyable, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Next Week: The Fruit of the Spirit Is PEACE.
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
Author: Christian Standard
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