A Weekly Word from you Pastor
Joy
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11
The definition of the word joy is as follows: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Most of us can recall some joyful moments in our lives. There was great joy in my life the day I was saved and baptized. There was great joy in my life the day I married Peggy and at the birth of my two sons. There was great joy in my life the day I preformed the marriage of my sons and at the birth of my four grandchildren. Joy is that emotion that makes one want to shout out loud and let the whole world know.
Yet the joy that is spoke of in John 15 by Jesus goes beyond a moment in time. It is more than celebration of a special event or special happening. The joy Jesus is taking about is an everyday, every moment lifestyle. Jesus is talking to His disciples in chapter 15 of John about how to receive and obtain joy each and every moment of life. Jesus is talking about how to live our lives in an ever present joy no matter the circumstances or the moment.
When we read chapter 15 we find that the secret of joy is abiding. Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4.) Joy comes from abiding in Jesus. We can have times of happiness without Jesus, but abiding joy must be entrenched in Jesus. Without Jesus in our daily lives, moment by moment, we cannot hope to have joy.
Jesus also talks about the love that He gives us to keep us joyful He says, “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.” John 15:9.) Love must be prevalent in everything we do. It must be part of our life from the time we get up in the morning until we lay down at night. We cannot put love aside if we want real joy. The joy Jesus gives.
I want to encourage you to find joy. It is the joy of Jesus. It puts a smile on your face and a song in your heart. It doesn’t rely on the circumstances of your day. It relies on Jesus in your heart. Abide! Every moment and every day.
Dear Jesus, help us to abide in you all day. Help our attitudes and actions to be control by your Spirit in our lives. Give us the ability to show our joy in all that we do. We ask this in your Holy name, Amen.