Cheap Joy

It is not at all surprising, in a culture of instant gratification, that we reach out rather indiscriminately for fulfillment. When we are tired, we grab coffee or a high-caffeine soda. When we are bored, we mash on the remote and surf through 96 channels of nonsense. When we seek mental stimulation, we take a seat before the keyboard and screen to glean the wisdom of cyberspace gurus. When we are anxious for something sensual, we settle for pornography or indiscriminate sexual liaisons. When we hurt, we numb ourselves with alcohol or some other substance.

We were created with a thirst for joy. But we often settle for the cheap version. It is not joy, but happiness. Happiness is a temporal fix, a momentary trickle of satisfaction that is based on happenings, not on a lasting, inner reality.

The tragedy of seeking cheap joy is that we cheat ourselves more than we might imagine. Consider the trade-off. Rely on a substance, an electronic image, or an uncommitted tryst to satisfy and the "joy" is instant, but short-lived.

But do the hard work of investing time in meditating on the things of God - reading and chewing on the words of God in the Bible, speaking to God in prayer, giving time to serve selflessly, pausing to worship the Creator - and the joy is delayed as we learn and deepen, but when it comes it is substantive, lasting and more dynamic than anything which costs less.

When I am tempted to take the easy route to joy the next time, I plan to turn off the TV, to log off the Internet, to ignore whatever other happening that promises instant peace, and instead, reach for something that satisfies for the long haul.

Life without technology. . . what a concept!