JOY IN DARK PLACES

Description

THOMAS PARR

The world is full of dark places that present obstacles to our joy. While people may instinctually turn to films, games, or social connections to brighten their day, Christians know they have a greater source of comfort and joy.  In Joy in Dark Places, Thomas Parr reminds us that the Bible speaks of glorious realities that the darkest days cannot destroy. Readers will see how moral evil, calamity, and even bad theology steal our happiness. More importantly, they will see how the light of the gospel dispels disquiet and brings profound joy instead. 

 Contents

1.  Joy and Obstacles to It 

1.  Joy despite God’s Judgments in the Earth 

1.  Law and Conviction Necessary for Joy 

1.  Joy despite Fears of Spiritual Deterioration 

1.  Joy from Empowerment and Even Chastening 

1.  Joy from the Bible’s “Works-Oriented” Statements 

1.  Joy in Renouncing All Forms of Legalism 

1.  Joy by Quieting Your Conscience in the Cross 

1.  To Have Joy You Must Have Faith 

1.  To Have Joy You Must Obey 

1.  Joy in God Incomprehensible 

1.  Joy and Problem People in the Church 

1.  Joy in Old Testament Promises to Israel 

1.  Joy at the Prospect of Growing Old and Dying 

1.  Biblical Joy versus Cheap Joy 

1.  Joy Even When Society Disintegrates 

1. Joy at the Last Judgment: Looking Forward to a Judgment of Our Works 

Conclusion: Our Joy and God’s Glory 

Endorsements

“Some people tell us to rejoice always because they think that our choice to rejoice will make us healthy and wealthy. Other people talk about joy as if it were heavenly escapism performed by ignoring pain and stoically pressing on. But Thomas Parr shows us that true joy—biblical, emotional, doxological joy—can be found in the hard realities of a sin-cursed world because Christ died a sin-cursed death, rose again, and is working all things for the glory of God. This is an important book that can transform for good our entire concept of joy and, by implication, how we respond to the hard times of life.”  — Joel R. Beeke, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“The Bible speaks of joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit, and thus all Christians should know something of it. Yet many struggle to find and experience joy. Thomas Parr has written an admirably simple yet instructive book about joy, which has its fount in the redemption of our triune God. He also provides sage counsel on how to find and hold on to joy even in dark places and times. With the help of this book, readers will have a better understanding of how to find joy in our faithful covenant Lord in times of plenty and in want.” — J. V. Fesko, Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

“Many of us have known, if only briefly and seasonally, the ‘dark places’ of which this book speaks and can testify to the difficulty of finding joy there. But armed with the biblical truth of God’s steadfast love and a robust doctrine of providence, we can find joy in the darkest of places. Thomas Parr has given us a parachute that will equip us well for the darkest periods of life. Short and to the point, each chapter examines different situations including, I surmise, ones all too familiar to the reader. A gem.” — Derek W. H. Thomas, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia South Carolina; chancellor’s professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; and teaching fellow, Ligonier Ministries

About the Author

Thomas Parr (ThM, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is a Reformed Baptist pastor serving in Anacortes, Washington. He is a contributing editor to the Lexham Context Commentary and author of the volume on the Gospel of Mark in that series.