66. You Were Made for GREAT Joy

You were made for great joy...but what do you do when you don't feel particularly joyful?

In this reflection on Psalm 47, John Ortberg explores a surprisingly practical answer: Do something joyful.

Sing.

Clap.

Dance.

Go outside.

Listen to birds.

Look into the face of someone you love.

Maybe even skip.

The Psalms weren't merely written to be read. They were meant to be sung.

Drawing from William Law and the James-Lange theory of emotion, John explores the fascinating relationship between our bodies and our inner lives.

We can't simply command ourselves to feel happy. Our emotions don't work that way.

But we can choose our actions.

And because our bodies and souls are deeply connected, the things we choose to do can help shape what's happening inside our hearts.

So don't wait until you feel joyful to sing.

Sometimes, singing helps lead us toward joy.

This is your day.

You can make this day a song.

In this episode:

Psalm 47 and the command to sing
Why the Psalms were meant to be sung
William Law on singing the Psalms
The relationship between body and emotion
Why “just choose to be happy” doesn't work
The James-Lange theory of emotion
Why the Psalms include dancing and other physical practices
How our outward actions can shape our inward lives
Practical ways to move toward joy
Making your day a song

Scriptures:
Psalm 47 • Psalm 113:3

#Psalm47 #JohnOrtberg #Joy #Psalms #Worship #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Prayer #Happiness

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00:00 You Were Made for Great Joy
00:25 How Your Life Becomes a Song
00:48 Psalm 47: Sing Praises
01:20 Sing, Sing, Sing
01:46 Why Were the Psalms Meant to Be Sung?
02:09 William Law on Singing the Psalms
02:32 Don't Just Read the Psalm
02:57 How Singing Changes the Heart
03:21 The James-Lange Theory of Emotion
03:51 Your Body Can Affect Your Feelings
04:11 It's Hard to Be Depressed While You Skip
04:27 From the Rising of the Sun
04:45 How the Body Influences Emotion
05:09 John's Blind Date Advice
05:24 The Union of Soul and Body
06:14 You Can't Just Choose to Be Happy
06:41 How Much Power Do We Have Over Ourselves?
07:05 Choose the Outward Action
07:41 Why Singing the Psalms Matters
08:03 Do Something That Leads to Joy
08:33 Sing, Skip, Dance
08:55 Make This Day a Song