Knowing God - John 16:24

(from Pastor)

Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full

John 16:24

　

What is Jesus' hope for our life. Twice in the night in which he was betrayed ... twice in his final words and purposes for us ... twice, our gracious Lord Jesus offered a way for our "joy [to] be full." 　

The mention of full joy occurs in the context of the parable of the vineyard -- John 15. Jesus says essentially, I am the vine and you are the branches. And then he invites us to abide in him and bear much fruit (v. 5). And then he invites us to abide in his love by obeying his commandments (v. 10). And then he invites us to abide in him, bear fruit, obey his commandments, and discover the fullness of joy (v 11 as a summary of 1-10).

　

In chapter 16, Jesus adds just one more thing for a fuller, richer joy -- prayer!

　

When we "ask" God for things in prayer, what do is the best thing we "receive"? It's not joy; it's Jesus. When we talk to God in prayer, what we receive most of all is a relationship with our Lord and Savior ... and by the way ... that's what brings joy!

　

In Christ's Love,

a guy who desires jelly beans, a cup of java, and shiny red Jaguar

and a few more important things that start with "j" like Jesus and joy

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I have often said recently that I don't care if I am happy, but I do want to have joy.  Happy is momentary, fleeting, can be felt at moments even in the midst of depression.  Joy is in the heart.  Deeper. Stronger.  I want joy.  I crave joy. I need joy. Sometimes, the best we can do is to 'fake it 'til we make it.'  Pray, obey the commandments, abide in Christ - even when that is the last thing we want to do.  The joy will come.