GOD’S WORDS OF JOY

“These things have I spoken to you, that MY JOY may remain in you, and that YOUR JOY may be FULL” – John 15:11

The Bible is replete with GOD’S WORDS of JOY: “These things have I spoken to you, that MY JOY may remain in you, and that YOUR JOY may be FULL” (Jh.15:11). Here, the Lord Jesus Christ affirms the possibility that our JOY can be FULL through the Instrumentality of His Words. God’s desire is that His Joy fully becomes our Joy! This was an odd time for Jesus to speak about joy, for soon He would be in the dark night of Gethsemane, face accusers, hear the taunts of adversaries, and be crucified. Even so, words of Joy flowed out of Him! Just as the Lord spoke of Joy in the face of impending trial and death, His provision for all who follow Him is for His Joy to become ours, remain in us and increase into fullness.

In Christ, we are guaranteed the supernatural supply of irrepressible, unstoppable, unquantifiable, and inexhaustible JOY, no matter the circumstances and trials of life: “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with JOY INEXPRESSIBLE and full of glory” (1Pet.1:8b). God’s Words are not aimed merely at making us feel happy, but experience Joy in fullness. Happiness is fleeting and fickle; but the Jesus Joy is enduring and lasting; it doesn’t fade with time or wane in trials. Happiness disappears when turmoil enters the scene, but the Joy of the Lord is full, satisfying, and lasting.

Paul the apostle was in prison when he wrote these Joy-filled words to the Believers in Philippi: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Phil.4:4). Joy should be the prevailing characteristic in the Christian’s life: “Rejoice evermore” (1The.5:16). Out Joy should be so full it outweighs all contrary emotions. Paul said concerning the churches in Macedonia, “that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their JOY and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2Cor.8:2). The fullness of their Joy in God eclipsed affliction and poverty, and overflowed into generosity.

God spoke through Nehemiah to the Jews: “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the JOY of the LORD is your STRENGTH” (Neh.8:10). He speaks to us today: “My Joy is your Strength”! His Joy is the impetus and surety of all-round strength – spiritual, mental, and physical. Without Joy, weakness subsists. That’s why the devil prefers that we wallow in sorrow and be bowed down in pessimism and depression.

Here are additional Words of Joy to meditate and have our faith established on:

“You have put GLADNESS in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased” (Psa.4:7). The Joy of the Lord is more satisfying than bountiful harvests of grain and wine.

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is FULLNESS of JOY; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psa.16:11).

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning” (Psa.30:5). No matter how long weeping has lasted, the Joy of the Lord will wipe off every memory of mourning.

“Therefore with JOY you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isa. 12:3). Joy is the divine instrument by which we possess the fullness of our Salvation blessings!

“For you shall go out with JOY, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isa.55:12).

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be FULL” (Jh.16:24).

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and JOY in the Holy Spirit” (Rom.14:17).

John the Beloved echoed the words of the Master: “And these things we write to you that your JOY may be FULL” (1Jh.1:4).