“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)
In this verse, Jesus expresses His desire for us, that we would be full of joy. He states, if we "abide" in Him or stay connected to Him, keep His commandments and love one another, we will be full of joy.
It is God's desire that you be full of joy. Notice, Jesus states that your "joy" would remain full. He does not say your happiness will remain full. Jesus wants us to have joy. I say it quite often, "happiness is based on happenings, but joy comes from Jesus." Happiness is fleeting. Sometimes we are happy and sometimes we are not. Happiness is dependent upon the circumstances of your life. But joy is something that is within you. Joy is what Jesus gives you when things are not going as you would like. Joy is what you have in the midst of going through the worst times of your life. Joy, in essence, is that inner peace and assurance that God is with you and that He is going to take care of you no matter what.
These are difficult times for many of us. Many of us struggle with financial problems, relational struggles and many social ills. Yet, when we are connected to Jesus and we are open to His indwelling presence, no matter what the situation, we will remain, FULL OF JOY.
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