“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
John 15:11
In this chapter, Christ is talking to his disciples during the closure of the last supper. The words of our Saviour are seen as an encouragement and received as a form of instruction to the disciples when Jesus leaves. Christ uses the word “abide” 10 times within the passage, which refers to dwelling and remaining in something. He emphasises the constant connection and relationship that we have with Him by the power of the Holy Spirit, convicting us through God’s Word and our communion with Him. As Christ is the Vine and we the branches, only through Him we are supplied and supported sufficiently (John 15:5). This can only stem from the everlasting love that God has for us, that reaches into each soul that the Spirit causes to receive Him. Through His Son, we are recipients of His divine grace and favour. Through Him, we have a God that loves us dearly, an immense love that would never flee or fade away, freely given unto us.
Let us remind ourselves where we set our joy and happiness in, not in things of the world that are but temporal, but unto our Lord Jesus Christ. Human joy does touch a part of our nature, but with divine joy that comes from God, it fills and overflows in us like no other. Are our hearts like jars full of stones and pebbles that signify the burdens, obstacles, and difficulties which occupy much of our lives today? Are we carrying more than what we can bear? Allow the joy of Christ to fill our hearts instead, the peace that passes all understanding to permeate the depths of our soul, it is then we would experience true joy.
In our different phases of life, we are never free from trials and troubles that come our way. But yet, we have a duty as Christians – to be a godly example unto others, to keep God’s commandments with all diligence, and to love each other just as Christ loves each of us (John 13:34). Let us do these things in the joy of the Lord, and even as it overflows through our actions and words, it pours into the hearts of others as well. Then can we truly say,
“O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song“
Let these words resound in our hearts as we grow and walk closer with Him day by day, that the joy of the Lord would indeed be our strength.