Have we been listening? How well have we been listening? To what or whom have we been listening? What does our life reflect in relation to our listening?
After stressing the connection His disciples were to remain in with Him and the fruitfulness that would follow in their connection with Him, Jesus also stated. . .
“(9) As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. (10) If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. (11) These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:9-11 ESV)
Though Jesus was honest with His disciples about trials coming (John 15:18-20; 16:1-4 & 33), and they were saddened to hear His words that He would be with them for only a little while longer (John 13:33; 16:16-19), He also spoke of their sorrow being replaced by joy. (John 16:20) That joy would be an abiding joy. (John 16:22) Jesus also told them He would go and prepare a place for them (John 14:1-3) and because He lived, so would they. (John 14:19) Jesus also encouraged them that in spite of tribulation in this world, He had overcome the world. (John 16:33) The world could not thwart His fulfilling of what He came to do and provide.
Life has its challenges, but that is not the full picture. If we find ourselves experiencing a lack of joy, perhaps we need to listen again to the abiding hope our Lord came to provide! Regardless of the darkness of night, let us continue singing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” And as we walk on in trusting faith in the Lord, let us also then live in joyful expectation of His coming again to be with Him in the eternity of Heaven. Remembering that in the Lord we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), may we give ear to His words intended to fill us with a joy that compels us onward and upward with Him!
Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE FULLNESS OF JOY IN THE FULLNESS OF THE ASSURANCES IN CHRIST!
Carl
