I am pastor of a self-described “Micah 6:8 Church,” which means we center our faith and practice around this essential prophetic call: “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.”

It’s hard to go wrong with guidance like that, and yet…the prophetic challenge may lead us all into burnout without the pastoral presence of God’s abundance and joy.

“The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

When we are centered in the presence of the Holy One we experience a joy that knows no boundaries. Our best work of service arises out of joy (and peace and gentleness).

For much of my early life, although I knew my life would have more meaning if I lived in alignment with God’s law of love, I found it incredibly difficult, if not impossible to do so. I was trying to live God’s love through my own determined willfulness. The more I pushed myself to become a better person, the less I succeeded. I was judgmental of others and incredibly hard on myself. My attempts to be kind and just had little to do with humility, let alone the real wisdom and guidance of God.

I remember how hard I worked to be a better person only to fall short again and again. I thought I should just buckle down and work harder, but what I really needed to do was to learn to “Let go and let God.”

I needed to fall into the arms of God’s love and allow my own wounded heart to be healed. As I learned to receive God’s gifts, I found myself more filled with those amazing qualities: compassion, joy, peace, even patience, kindness, a natural generosity, a surprising gentleness, and yes, self-control.

God can do amazing things through me when I am able to get out of my own willful way and allow the Spirit to fill me, abide in me, and use me. I like myself more because I am more fully me, more the person God has created me to be.

When I make room for prayer, for open hearted self-acceptance, for meditation, relaxation, renewal, I accomplish much more in all aspects of my life. I’m more centered in my work and my service to others overflows with the joy and patience God’s love intends.

Religion that reduces itself to a list of rules, even if they are good rules, has missed the real reason for faith. We are called to a relationship with a living, loving God. When we are able to wake up to the miracle of our lives we can fall in love with all of creation and God’s true work can begin to manifest within us and through us. Joy is essential.