Joy is what God gives, not what we work up. Laughter is the delight that things are working together for good to those who love God, not the giggles that betray the nervousness of a precarious defense system.

— Eugene Peterson (1932–2018), Pfarrer, Theologe und Autor

Source: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society (über goodreads, Wortlaut nicht gegengeprüft)

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Faith & Trust, Grace & Redemption

Occasions: Encouragement, For Reflection

Eugene Peterson

Eugene Peterson (1932–2018) war ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Pfarrer, Theologieprofessor und Autor. Bekannt wurde er vor allem durch seine Bibelübertragung „The Message“ in modernes Alltagsenglisch sowie durch Schriften gegen kommerzialisierte und leistungsorientierte Gemeindekonzepte. Bibellesern bietet sein Werk Zugänge zu einer entschleunigten, kontemplativen Schriftbetrachtung, wenngleich seine freie Paraphrasierung des Bibeltextes auch theologische Kritik an der Übersetzungstreue hervorrief.

All quotes by Eugene Peterson (405)

More on this topic

When you see a child, you catch God in the act.

Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.

Gertrud von le Fort

Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.

Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.

Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.

Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.

Frederick Buechner

All quotes · lumen.bible