Double the Joy no. 71: Taking Note of Joys
February 20th, 2026
Not sure what is happening where you live, but our community if chock-full of flu cases and other illnesses. On Wednesday, I was informed by three people in my immediate orbit about their children who have the flu. While I was never tested, I suspect I had the same. Regardless of whatever it was, it led me to just crawling through the better part of a week. Not much joy to be had in the circumstances, but where I am seeking some measure of growth is in growing a deeper reservoir of joy draw on, when other wells run dry. I do not think I was particularly successful, if I am being honest.
This Sunday, I will complete a sermon series through the book of Philippians, which had me looking back at some things I previously wrote. In Paul’s letters, the grace of the Lord is often the first and last word of those letters. That is the case in Philippians (Verse two of chapter one and the very last verse of the letter).
It is not my intent, generally, to share my sermons here. There are several reasons for that, but I was struck by the last lines of this final section of application from my first sermon in that series. Ignore any poor grammar, etc…I generally am not writing my sermon manuscripts for anyone to read.
If joy begins with union, then how should we respond? [My overall theme or focus for that sermon was that our “joy begins with union with Christ”] There are a few things I want to encourage and challenge you with.
First and foremost, who are you? When you are grumpy, what do you need to remember about who you are? My first thoughts on Thursday were not dominated by my identity in Christ and my being united to him. I was trapped in my own head. And if that is true while I am working through these very words, then perhaps it is a challenge for you to step back from your own circumstances. No matter how trivial. This becomes even harder if we aren’t just experiencing the inconsequential or inconvenient, but when we are truly engaged in great suffering, trials that don’t seem to end, and brokenness among relationships that should be deepest source of peace and a refuge. And yet, if we are going to learn what it knows to rejoice in the Lord and live out of the deepest joy, then it will require us to remember, rehearse, and remind one another of our identity from Christ and in Him. As we do that, then we can give our lives to be His servants. If my experience is any indication, that won’t come without a fight. But maybe that’s just me.
As we continue in our Philippians series, we will have opportunity to talk more about both Paul’s circumstances and what was unique to the setting of Philippi. We have begun that a little by thinking of the first converts, but we will have opportunity to continue to dig into that background in future sermons. As part of our corporate challenges, I am encouraging you to read the book of Philippians in one sitting, at least once this month. You might want to read it once a week. As you do, or even if you just hear bits and pieces from this series, you will hear the reality of joy that is based in Christ. Who He is for you. And how that changes what is happening within you.
When we do that, then the third challenge of keeping note of joys - large and small - finds it’s root in much better than soil, than just if we feel a certain way or experience life as something I have to control. The Puritan Thomas Watson commenting on Psalm 16:11 writes: “I know there will never be perfect contentment in this life. Perfect pleasure is only at God’s write hand, yet we may begin here to tune our instrument before we play the sweet lesson of contentment exactly in heaven.” So, take note of your joys, not as a testimonial of perfect contentment or circumstances, but as a testimony to our Lord who is preparing us for even greater joys that won’t be diminished by weather, loud workers, or that which truly causes us to weep [these were things that had intruded or experienced that week].
This is my intention with my writing here and the experiences I share, including in small and everyday things for me like books and music. I hope that the reality of joy in your life is seen with greater clarity, as a result. It is my small attempt to brighten this dark world that so easily descends into complaint, callousness, and animosity.
Thank you to subscribers, new and old, for joining me here. And for those who encourage me to share my words.
Reading Joy
Other than for two days, during my illness, I have read for enjoyment and personal edification (e.g. I am not counting books I read for sermon preparation) at least 15 pages every day this year. There are some nights when I am tired and not as much in the mood, but having that simple goal has kept me connected to something that ultimately is a tremendous source of joy for me. I have been using a simple app iOS app called Onrise (I’m sure there many others that do the same for both iOS and Android devices) to keep track of a few goals this year. It’s simple and free, and yet there’s probably some sort of phycology behind why it helps to track these goals in this manner.
Reading consistently helped me finish Pacific Crucible by Ian W. Toll. This book begins with Pearl Harbor and goes through the Battle of Midway. Both of my grandfathers served in the military during World War II. I’ve done a decent amount of reading about the European theater, but less about the Pacific theater of war. It can be hard to read the more hellish parts of global conflict, but my gratitude for the sacrifices that were required and made by so many increases. And my understanding of how we ended up in the place in the first place.
And I completed the first book, Master and Commander, in Patrick O’Brian’s novel series set largely during the Napoleonic Wars (early 19th century). I am not sure I understood large scores of what I read and I do not think I am any better prepared to serve on a sea-going vessel. I am undecided whether to continue with the series, as the reading was not always smooth-sailing, but I will likely seek out the next book in the series and go from there.
There’s been a good balance in my reading so far: 4 fiction and 4 non-fiction books completed thus far this year. I don’t aim for that, per se, but I am always glad when I have that balance.
I am nearly finished with the first volume of N.K. Jemison’s Broken Earth Trilogy, The Fifth Season. This falls under science fantasy, which is not a genre I read much. She’s won a bunch of awards for her writing, notably the Hugo Award three years in a row (for each of the books in the trilogy). There is some content I do not particularly care for, but the writing, world-building, and story-telling are compelling.
I am also busy reading a book about Octopi and Cuttlefish and other strange characters in our seas (Other Minds: The Octopus, The Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith). This is our next book for the Pastors’ book club that Randy (of Greatheart’s Table fame) and I created. We are intentionally seeking to read things that we do not normally encounter in our vocational labors. This is our first non-fiction selection and this is definitely a book that I think I will be grateful to have some other people to process the “what in the world did I just read” feeling that I am currently swimming in.
Listening Joy
In honor of attending a concert tonight, our first visit to the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, I will a couple of songs from the object of my auditory affection (Lydia does not much care, but is happy to spend time with me).
Except for one year in the early 1990s, I have never been much of a country music listener. Especially that which is the most popular versions with large radio play. But I am attracted to certain corners of the larger genre, including “red dirt country”. Shane Smith and the Saints falls in the subcategory of country. I love Smith’s voice, I’m a sucker for a fiddle, and the overall sonic energy of this band has had me wanting to see them play live for awhile now.
This song was featured in the fourth season of the television show Yellowstone and helped introduce their music to many people. I likely discovered their music through my listening in the red dirt, alt-country, americana genre’s of music, but this is one of my absolute favorites from them.
Another favorite song:
And here’s something a little different:
I’m excited about this opportunity to see this concert in a place I have long wanted to visit. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Random Word Joy
We have felt this some in north Alabama over the past week or so, but I have enough experience to know that Winter does not loosen its death grip so easily. This word was originally shared by Cian McCarthy on X/Twitter.
Pet Joy
My son visited on Monday. And, of course, he brought Maurice. Here he and Benji (my daughter’s dog) are being goofy for some unknown reason. Benji is particularly jealous for anyone’s attention, so he has a tendency to put himself in the path of affection.
It did my heart good to see Maurice, but mostly his owner (not pictured and he likes it that way!)
I hope that or something that I have written here has brought you joy or helped you to contemplate the roots or fruit of joy in your own life.
Shall we do it again next week? (as long as illness or other unwanted difficulties don’t intrude).