3/20/10 John 15
Do you Have Joy?
I have noticed recently that there is a lot of anger in the world. There is anger nearly at every intersection of two or more individuals. This anger is exposed in marriages, siblings, the work place, the school house, the universities, the government, and the church. It seems that people get angry over the slightest thing that may go wrong as they make their journey through the day. Like the guy I heard the other day cussing because as he pumped gas in his car the nozzle failed to shut off and the gas spilled out. Whether it is spilled gas or spilled milk, many people should chill out.
The real issue with anger is at the root a sin problem. If you are struggling with anger, then you are struggling with sin. John 15 gives us explicit instructions on how to overcome the anger from within, and it is to abide with Him. Jesus instructs His disciples to abide in Him. Abiding in Him is spending time seeking His will and then carried out through keeping His commandments which we investigated yesterday in John 14.
There are several results when we abide in Jesus. When we are abiding in Jesus our lives will demonstrate His characteristics and by doing that we bear fruit (John 15:5,8). When we are displaying His qualities this is when the Father is most glorified, because others see us and He sees us as a reflection of Himself which is everything good, right, and perfect (John 15:8). The final result of a person who is abiding in Jesus is a life full of joy (John 15:11). So do you have joy? If you find within your heart a lack of joy what should you do? The answer is found in abiding in Jesus, which means that you will obey His commandments.
Reflect for a moment upon the times that you have been obedient to someone in authority over you. After you have fulfilled the command, task, or exercise, and you have done it to the best of your ability the joy level of your heart increases. So if you would like joy or more joy in your life follow the directions that Jesus has given by seeking Him and His will continually then obey and your life will overflow with joyful expressions.
Prayer: Dear Exalted Father, I praise your greatness and majesty that shadows the entire earth. There is no one like you and there is no deeper joy than being in your presence and doing your will. Father, increase my joy! I ask that my life would be continually abiding in your Son Jesus and in His love. Thank you for loving me despite my worthlessness apart from you (John 15:5). I ask for your grace to strengthen me to carry out your will and commands for your glory, in Jesus name. Amen.