“The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy” (Galatians 5:22)
St. Teresa of Avila said, “From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, Lord, deliver us.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a Jesuit priest, paleontologist, and philosopher, said, “Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God.”
Pastor and author Bruce Larson said, “Grimness is not a Christian virtue.”
Years ago, I asked a sour-faced saint this question: “Are you happy?”
He said, “Yes, I’m happy!”
I responded, “Tell your face!”
Seek the God of all joy today. Say no to your shame and yes to your future. Let the Spirit grow the joy of your heart and expand the magnitude of your witness.
Recovery Step: Seek the One who gives you joy.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
