I heard a statement that grabbed my heart. “If you are not living a joyful life and not astonished by the love of God, where is the good news of the Gospel?”
This had me check my heart and the scriptures. In Jn 15:11 Jesus says this to His disciples (and to us), “These things have I spoken to you that my JOY may be in you and that your joy may be full. The source of true joy is Jesus. We are not talking about happiness; Jesus wants His joy to be in us.
This is what Jesus considered to be His joy. “…For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, succumbing to its shame, and sat down at the throne of God.” (Heb 12:2) What was the joy set before Him? It was salvation for the world, for you and me. It was the head of the enemy crushed, captivity lead captive, and the sting of death destroyed.
James has something to say about applying this joy to our lives. “My brethren, count it all JOY when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of YOUR faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2)
There is something very deep here- JOY, the JOY of the Lord, which is our strength, allows us to have our faith tested and brings us to a place of completeness and lacking nothing. Now, that is something to be JOYFUL about!
If we are not walking in joy, with astonished hearts, our light has grown a bit dim, and our salt has lost its savor. Let’s adore Him in JOY!
By: Susan Kewin
~ Christ Fellowship