That Your Joy May be Full

That Your Joy May Be Full

In John 15:9-11 we hear the words of Jesus, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

Here we are given the the basis or foundation for walking in TRUE joy:
- Remain in Jesus' love.
- Obey Jesus' commands.

Jesus asked us to do exactly as He had done with His Father. It seems simple enough theoretically, but as humans we have a hard time walking this out on a daily basis. Why is it so hard to do what we know is right when we are promised complete JOY as a result of heeding these words? 

Too often we look for Joy through our circumstances or from things that are only temporal. We seek joy in relationships. We seek joy in position or power. We seek Joy in material goods. But complete Joy can only be found by remaining in Jesus' love and obeying His commands. 

We need to fully trust the Lord and come to the realization that Joy is not based on external matters or things. Joy can be experienced in the good times and even the difficult times. Sometimes even the most difficult times of our lives end up bringing us the most Joy. We often realize through trials and testing how faithful God really is. 

The whole world watches as we handle the challenges that come our way. They wonder if our faith is genuine. They wonder if we have something they do not have. They look for answers. "Jesus is the answer for the world today. Beyond Him there's no other. Jesus is the way." - Andre Crouch

If you haven't already; discover His faithfulness, discover His grace, discover His compassion, discover all that God has for you and you will find that your joy will be complete. 

Remain in Jesus' love.
Obey all of His commands. 
That your joy might be full. 

The world needs TRUE Joy. May we find it in Jesus and show others The Way.

Blessings,
Pastor Derek Forseth