Is your joy full? A simple question. And yet, we make it far more complex than needed. Notice that that question doesn’t inquire whether your emotional state is one of happiness. It isn’t a question about your circumstances. It doesn’t investigate your current physical, emotional, or financial state. So, to repeat, is your joy full?
As Jesus’ earthly ministry came to a close, He discloses to them that the things which He’d spoken to them, and to us by extension, held a two-fold purpose. The first being that He’d spoken these things in order that His joy might remain in us; and secondly, what follows logically, that our joy might be full (Jn. 15:11).
Jesus gives His joy to you by speaking His Word to you. What does He Word say? That no foe or fiend can snatch you from the Father’s hand. No guilt or shame can remain when you come to be washed by His Word of forgiveness. No trial or storm can sweep you away from the Triune Joy. His Word tells us that the joy He gives isn’t the joy the world gives. He gives the joy which springs from God’s delight in His own eternally blessed state. His joy is free from taint of sin’s shame. His joy isn’t bound by death’s terror. He fears no foe, for He ripped Hell’s gates off their hinges.
Here is that Word. This Word is joy. This Word is firm ground when all around gives way. This Word is a song for darkest midnights. This Word isn’t a fleeting feeling of serotonin. This Word is the Eternal Word. Jesus speaks His Word to you, and so puts His joy in you. Your joy is full, then, because Your joy was put there by Jesus Himself, and it was His joy He put there.
So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ…
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