“The Source of Joy” Scripture: John 16:19-24
Jesus promised that once we discovered His pure joy, no one would ever be able to take it away. (John 16:22) NIV
A Christian friend and I met each other in a shopping mall recently and as we were chatting I couldn’t help but take notice his expression of joy. I felt it was proper and due him to make mention of his exuberant joy that I know comes from serving the Lord. I said to him, “you are always so full of joy!”
He didn’t respond with words but by action. Placing his hands on my shoulders he whisked me around full circle and pointed upward to the store name that was directly behind me. It was called “The Source.” The word ‘The’ was in small letters and ‘Source’ was in very large and prominent letters. As I turned back, he paused for a moment and gave me that raised eyebrows look as if to say, Need I say more? “God is my source of joy, what else can I say?” he said reassuringly.
After all, isn’t that what Jesus exemplified? Pure joy? Doesn’t He long for His children to experience His joy? Even in the midst of trials God is our ever-present companion. He provides the pure joy that gives us strength to endure all kinds of trials. In the book of James we find that joy is exemplified when faced with trials of many kinds. (James 1: 2-3)) His words make our joy in Him complete. (John 17:13)
As I continue to come in contact with my friend, his expression of joy is always evident, and his faith is always joyfully expressed. His true joyful attitude is one that has confidently spilled over to others and me.
PathwayThoughts…
Do you possess the joy that ought to spill over to those you come into contact with?
Do you reveal the SOURCE?
When was the last time you saw the expression of joy by a friend or family member?
What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment.
Prayer focus: Those who need to be refreshed in the joy of the Lord.
On the Journey! Janice Keats
Janice, His joy is wonderful. I’ve experienced it sooo many times. In fact, people have commented that they see it radiating from my face sometimes.
You ask when was the last time I saw joy on a friend or family…. have to admit it’s been a long while. There seems to be so much hard stuff hitting families these days. And I know the only way I can deal with my own hard stuff is to stay in His Presence, where He says is fullness of joy.
Maybe I need a stop at The Source and then go let it spill out on others who need a re-dose too.
Thanks for a lovely posting!
His joy is our strength… I love the way your friend expressed this joy and its source.
Thanks for your comments. It is so true that my friend is so joy filled that it seems everything goes right for him. It doesn’t of course. He is very ill but you’d never know it. His faith is very strong and he is thankful for all that God has brought him through.