Where Is the Joy in This?
One of the many tasks I have as a teacher is outdoor supervision for recess breaks. Generally, I enjoy walking around and engaging with the students in their various activities. Of course, there are always the moments when conflicts arise.
Sadly, bullying and unkindness occur. Some of the hardest words to hear are when children approach me and says others are being mean to them and they don’t know what to do.
Sometimes I have to directly intervene, but frequently my advice to these students is to go enjoy another part of the playground and remove themselves from the bad situation. I remind them that it is lovely to be outside and they should find a way to have joy in the experience.
Paul and Barnabas faced some similar situations. In the Book of Acts we are told of them preaching to the people of Antioch. While many believe and become Christians, there is a contingent that want to drive them out of the community. When Paul and Barnabas leave, they do the following:
“So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:51-52 NIV)
In essence, the disciples are doing exactly what I ask my students to do – when you meet with those who absolutely do not listen to you, it is time to move on to better surroundings. It had been Jesus’ advice to the disciples. Shaking the dust off their feet is a symbolic gesture to show that they are disassociating themselves with those who show no desire to hear the Gospel. (Mark 6:11)
What is so cool about verse 52 though is that Paul and Barnabas do not let the frustration and opposition get them down. Instead, they are filled with joy. This joy is Spirit given, not anything the world provides. They have a deep abiding joy in the knowledge of our Saviour’s love for them. They know that He has a purpose and a plan for them.
Many times, we are like my students or Paul and Barnabas. We face situations that seem insurmountable because some people just refuse to listen, be nice, etc.
There have been many times when I have tried to push and try to make someone listen to me. I have presented my case in logical terms and been correct in what I was presenting. Yet, what I said made no impact as the person was not in a place to hear or accept what I was saying. Sadly, many times I kept on trying, knowing that what I had to say was valid. It exhausted and frustrated me and it hurt my spirit.
My tactic should have been the same one I tell my students and the same one the disciples used – to just let it go and move on. The need is great and there are others who will listen. Also,
though, we need to take the time to preserve our own well-being and to rejoice in what God is doing in us and through us.
When we face these challenging situations, it is time to look for a different part of the playground – finding new avenues where God needs us to serve Him. I know it is difficult to give up on certain people or situations, but there comes a time when we have to let go and leave them to God.
A significant thing that the early disciples know without a doubt is that Jesus loves them and died for them. Nothing could steal the joy of knowing Jesus as Lord and Saviour and the hope of eternal life with Him.
We, too, can have joy – always. It is not based on what the world gives but on what Jesus gives.
When we are in the midst of situations with difficult people or challenging circumstances it is helpful to remember that these have no impact on the joy we have in Christ.
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