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 singWhy the Psalms were meant to be sungWilliam Law on singing the PsalmsThe relationship between body and emotionWhy “just choose to be happy” doesn't workThe James-Lange theory of emotionWhy the Psalms include dancing and other physical practicesHow our outward actions can shape our inward livesPractical ways to move toward joyMaking your day a songScriptures:Psalm 47 • Psalm 113:3#Psalm47 #JohnOrtberg #Joy #Psalms #Worship #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Prayer #Happiness🙌 New episodes every weekday.📲 Subscribe, like, and share to help others grow spiritually. One day at a time.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT us at 51504EMAIL US at [email protected] OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text NEW to 51504SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our teamDOWNLOAD FREE STUDY GUIDES: BecomeNew.com/study-guides😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/Music Credits:Vikersund by RØRE - MB01V0UASAACPKEAlta by RØRE - MB01IWZVJASGKHF00:00 You Were Made for Great Joy00:25 How Your Life Becomes a Song00:48 Psalm 47: Sing Praises01:20 Sing, Sing, Sing01:46 Why Were the Psalms Meant to Be Sung?02:09 William Law on Singing the Psalms02:32 Don't Just Read the Psalm02:57 How Singing Changes the Heart03:21 The James-Lange Theory of Emotion03:51 Your Body Can Affect Your Feelings04:11 It's Hard to Be Depressed While You Skip04:27 From the Rising of the Sun04:45 How the Body Influences Emotion05:09 John's Blind Date Advice05:24 The Union of Soul and Body06:14 You Can't Just Choose to Be Happy06:41 How Much Power Do We Have Over Ourselves?07:05 Choose the Outward Action07:41 Why Singing the Psalms Matters08:03 Do Something That Leads to Joy08:33 Sing, Skip, Dance08:55 Make This Day a Song