Day 15
Read Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
The life of a Jesus follower is to be filled with joy. We find joy when we enjoy God. God alone, is the source of deep and meaningful joy-- not the happiness of circumstances. So many times during this past year we could say, “no, I’m not happy.” How could we be happy with unrest, death of family as well as friends, and our lives being thrown off course? But fortunately, joy is not based on circumstances, but in Christ. Even though we may not feel happy, we can find joy in Christ as we connect with Him, worship Him, and trust in Him.
John 15:7-11 says
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 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. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
According to this passage our joy is dependence upon our close relationship with Jesus and our obedience to His Word. Lack of joy is a love problem. As we learned Sunday, if a lack of joy is a love problem, it will also result in an obedience problem. But when our lives are demonstrating obedience born out of a love relationship with God, our lives will be filled with joy.
Do you enjoy God?
If you enjoy God, how might you restructure your day to experience more of Him?
Pray and give thanks to God for as many things as you can this morning.
