"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." John 15:11
In the English Standard Version of the Bible, the words "joy", "joyful" or "rejoice" are found 430 times, while the words "happy" and "happiness" are found only 10 times.
For the Christian, joy is not dependent upon happenings (which are external and temporary), but rather on the ongoing relationship he or she has with Christ (which is internal and eternal).
Jesus explained to His disciples that joy comes to those who abide -- or remain -- in Him.
In John 15:1-8 Jesus says repeatedly "Abide in Me."
"Abide in Me to bear fruit and glorify the Father."
"Abide in Me so that your prayers will be in line with My will and, therefore, will be answered."
Then in v. 9 Jesus says, "Abide in my love."
He likened His love for His disciples and us to the love the Father has for Him (that love is rendered "dearly loved"). In John 15:10 He says, "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."
What commandments is He talking about?
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you" (John 15:12).
And how has Christ loved us?
So much so that He gave His life for us (v 13).
Jesus dearly loves us. He gave His life for us. He wants us to to remain in Him, to stay close to Him, let Him show us how to love others as He loves us. And our joy -- no matter what the circumstances -- will be made full."
C.S. Lewis said, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." To which I say, "Amen!"
Today's music video I've Got Joy by CeCe Winans reminds us that joy comes from Jesus!
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
Love CeCe's voice. This is a beautiful song. Joy is one of the greatest gifts. Happy Monday. Happy Halloween. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteI love the way you worded this, Kris: "Joy is one of the greatest gifts." So precious! xo
DeleteOnce again, you have lifted my spirits, sweet friend. Praise God for the joy we find in Him that is not dependent on our external circumstances, as you said. Can you imagine if our joy was dependent on that? We would be in a very sad state, considering all the evil in the world around us. You are such a blessing to me. I am always touched the most when I read your closing words. It reminds me of what my dear Mom would always say to me. Thank you for those words of hope. I love and appreciate you, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I appreciate so much your constant comments and encouragement. Your mom raised a beautiful, sweet daughter. I'm so glad she did! Hugs.
DeleteThank you, Nancy, for your Monday encouragement. It does just that. We have so much to learn from our Lord and Savior, starting with obeying His commandments.
ReplyDeleteEncouragement is what we all need, isn't it, Ellen? Encouragement to face all the things the world throws at us, encouragement to love and forgive those who have hurt us, and most of all encouragement to stay close to Jesus! This is certainly what I need every day. Hugs to you, my friend.
DeleteThis post is very special to me, because it was something that I never truly saw until after Steve went to be with the Lord. I made a statement that there was no joy left in my life after Steve was gone. I was being deceived my the enemy in a time that my heart was suffering the hardships and emptiness that grief brings with it. BUT, Hallelujah! When I recognized that this was a lie (and why should I expect any thing other than a lie, when spoken from the liar himself). Then I dug deep and found the very things that you are writing about in this post. We need to guard our hearts with the word of the Lord. I appreciated this line: Jesus explained to His disciples that joy comes to those who abide -- or remain -- in Him. There is power in those words! My joy is not in my sweet husband or in anything of this world. I had a wonderful and loving man and I miss him with all my heart, but as I run my race with Jesus by my side each and everyday my joy is multiplied by the grace and love of my dear Savior.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your ministry dear friend and know that your light is shining brightly.
Always so encouraging!
ReplyDeletePraise God for that! Hugs!
DeleteYes! Joy is not based on our circumstances! Such a good truth!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy for your weekly encouragement!
So very inspirational this morning, Nancy. And uplifting words. Our God is a Mighty God.
ReplyDelete