May you experience the Joy of Jesus in YOU

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV

While being a children’s pastor, we sang several songs about Joy.

Joy, Joy, joy, just a little bit of joy.

Joy, Joy, joy, just a little bit of joyyyy.

Oh, you don’t need a whole lot, Just use what your got

Joy, joy, joy, just a little bit of joy.

Where is the source of joy for a Christian?  How can a person walk in the fullness of joy?  How important is it to express joy daily?  If you are feeling way overwhelmed, you are a perfect candidate for the experience of joy.  If you are being convicted of sin(s), you are a candidate to experience joy.  If you are trying to engage in meaningful prayer, you are a candidate for the fullness of joy.  If you are a child of God’s kingdom, joy will be one of your calling cards.  Let’s recapture the essence and expression of the fullness of joy in our lives.

Joy is not giddiness, although it includes a euphoric emotion.  The word joy in the greek is a cognate of grace,  In other words, joy is received from the Lord as an expression of grace.  You can’t demand it, not work yourself up into a joyful moment by your own efforts.  It is a gift (grace) that God extends to us.  John Piper defines Christian joy as a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.

Joy would be the tangible expression we experience after God has extended grace into our lives.  The word of God was preached to the Jewish people at one point in Nehemiah.  They were greatly convicted and felt the impending wrath of God for whom they had violated his laws.  Nehemiah told them ”… this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10 ESV.  This explains why a person that “gets saved” many times becomes joyful.  In fact, heaven breaks into a happy dance, when a sinner repents.  Not sure what an angel happy dance looks like, but it’s scriptural.  Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 ESV.  If you haven’t repented lately…your joy tank might be low.  Walking into God’s holiness comes with the fear of the Lord, while walking from God’s holiness we carry the fullness of joy.

The source of joy comes from God.  Nehemiah referred to the joy of the Lord.  Jesus prayed that we would experience the same joy that was in him.  And joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that we bear as we abide in him.  This type of joy is not connected to our circumstances.  In fact, it seems to supersede negative situations.  Jesus looked beyond the pain and sacrifice of going through the crucifixion because of the joy that was set before him….that was you and I becoming a part of his family.  The fruit of joy is becoming mature as we abide (set our heart affections and focus upon the eternal love and purposes of Jesus) in Christ.  If your joy tank is low….check on where you mind has been meditating…as a man thinketh, so is he.  Abiding includes the where our mind has been focusing.

Finally, joy should flow out of your prayer times.  Jesus said, 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John16:24 ESV.   The answers to prayer are received by grace.  But Jesus anticipates that we will receive answers.  Ask in his name, and you will receive.  The “in his name” means that we ask in agreement with his character and authority- Which after the cross, Jesus said that God gave him all authority in heaven and on earth.  Jesus anticipates that his disciples will be praying.  He also anticipates that we will receive answers to our prayers.  Joy is connected to answered prayers.  Your joy tank my be low, if your faithing prayers are slow in coming.  Listen to the joy of someone who has seen God answer their prayers recently.  It’s contagious and inspires you to receive the joy and grace that comes from praying in Jesus name.

I bless you with the joy found in God’s kingdom.  17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Romans 14:17 ESV.  By grace, may you experience His joy at this very moment.  It is one of the defining marks of a follower of Jesus.  I am believing and asking that the Joy in Jesus may be in us today.