“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11
August 3, 2022
We can rejoice in the Lord because in Him there is hope. Pain and suffering are not the period at the end of the sentence. We can rejoice in the Lord because God is an endless source of joy. He is a happy God. We like to think that we have an endless source of gas for our car. At lease there is a giant tank of gas under the ground. It’s not a perfect illustration, but it has worked for a life time of driving and refueling. The joy of the Lord gives us strength. It provides creative energy. It is the fuel of endurance. In order for us to understand the fullness of joy as stated in John 15:11 we must begin with John 15:1. The true vine is Jesus Christ. Those who are joined to Christ by faith are the branches. To abide in Christ is more than belief in Christ for salvation. It is living in such a way as to draw the fullest possible benefit of union with Christ. As we obey Christ’s commandments, we are abiding in Him (1 Jn. 3:24). Are you enjoying the Christian life? This is not asking if we are having fun. We can be going through some very rough times, experiencing sorrow and anxiety. There is a warning on the “pump” of perpetual fuel. There is the danger of loss of fellowship. Think of how it is in your house, if married, and some selfish behavior and a harsh tongue make for a chilly home life. The vitality of a close relationship suffers. Add to this there is a loss of reward. We have to fight for our joy. Are we delighting in keeping God’s commandments? Joyful Christians want to finish their life well, pleasing God to the last breath. H
A time for prayer: “O Precious Father, thank you that you keep me secure in my union with Christ. I long for your joy to be seen in my life.”