“If you keep My
commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s
commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My
joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11 NKJ)
commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s
commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My
joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11 NKJ)
There isn’t much joy
in 21st century society. The news reports are filled with violence and sorrows
of every kind. This is the results of Adam eating the wrong fruit in Eden. Joy
was thrown away. Oh, he didn’t intend to throw it away, but that is the reality
of his action.
in 21st century society. The news reports are filled with violence and sorrows
of every kind. This is the results of Adam eating the wrong fruit in Eden. Joy
was thrown away. Oh, he didn’t intend to throw it away, but that is the reality
of his action.
He and Mrs. Adam
experienced heartache, sorrow and misery immediately. They were removed from
the paradise garden and God’s presence. Hard labor brought on physical
exhaustion. Their oldest son killed their youngest one. Joy drained away fast
and became an elusive experience for humanity.
experienced heartache, sorrow and misery immediately. They were removed from
the paradise garden and God’s presence. Hard labor brought on physical
exhaustion. Their oldest son killed their youngest one. Joy drained away fast
and became an elusive experience for humanity.
We frantically chase
enjoyment. We persistently pursue pleasure. We think escape mechanisms and
distractions will satisfy, but they don’t. Why does joy continue to escape our
grasp? Joy comes when our deepest needs are supplied. If we don’t have joy, it is
because we are chasing things that do not satisfy the yearning of the soul.
enjoyment. We persistently pursue pleasure. We think escape mechanisms and
distractions will satisfy, but they don’t. Why does joy continue to escape our
grasp? Joy comes when our deepest needs are supplied. If we don’t have joy, it is
because we are chasing things that do not satisfy the yearning of the soul.
Joy comes from
having hope, but not merely a positive perspective. Joy comes from placing our
hope in the Eternal God who gives eternal joy (Psalm 146:5). The God of hope
and joy foresaw our need for joy and made a plan for restoring it when it would
be thrown away.
having hope, but not merely a positive perspective. Joy comes from placing our
hope in the Eternal God who gives eternal joy (Psalm 146:5). The God of hope
and joy foresaw our need for joy and made a plan for restoring it when it would
be thrown away.
Joy does not exist
in things or material stuff. Joy — the eternal kind — exists only in a person
and can only be had in a relationship with him. Note the words of the angel:
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which
will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 NKJ). He didn’t come only to
save us, but also to give us joy and that our joy might remain full in us.
in things or material stuff. Joy — the eternal kind — exists only in a person
and can only be had in a relationship with him. Note the words of the angel:
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which
will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a
Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 NKJ). He didn’t come only to
save us, but also to give us joy and that our joy might remain full in us.
Dear Father, thank
you for your joy through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. May we obey his
commands and fully experience that joy. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for your joy through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. May we obey his
commands and fully experience that joy. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Obey Christ today
and be full of joy,
and be full of joy,