“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full”. John 15:11(NKJV)

Our world is filled with many different kinds of emotions which are driven by the circumstances we come across. Some of these emotions such as happiness have positive impact on the persons whilst others such as anger and bitterness drive negative responses to the person, leading to illnesses and stagnation. There is however one emotion that supersedes all as it is independent of circumstances. This emotion is called JOY. Joy should never be confused with happy which is experiencing the effect of favorable fortune. It therefore depends on happenings. This JOY is defined as Jesus Operating in You and it is independent of what is deemed favorable fortune. Jesus said to his disciples in John 16:24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

 

Again in the verse above Jesus talks about full joy. This joy is a fruit of the holy spirit (Galatians 5:22) It therefore cannot be faked, it must be sought after not with human wisdom but by the knowledge of Christ, and allowing this knowledge to modify your circumstances. The question then arises, What is the source of your joy? Has this been your finance, educational position, your spouse, your children, your inheritance, your country of origin or your achievements. None of these can bring you full joy. I am sure you will know people who have all these but seem miserable or unhappy! Are you seeking full joy from the right source? Are you looking at the right place to fill the joy you do not have? If you are and have not found the source then start looking up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, the source of wisdom, the one who gives us direct access to the throne of God, the one who sent us the Holy Spirit, the comforter and sits on the right hand of the Father making intercessions for us.

 

He is the source and has asked us simply to ask for this joy in his name. Again what were the “things” that Jesus spoke about in the verse above? These are, if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you and finally 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 (John 15:7-10).These are the steps to take in getting full joy. Let his word abide in you and also keep his commandments. Let this be your pursuit in any situation as you seek full joy.

Be bless. Amen

Dr Rex