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
The other day my check the oil light came on. My car gives me a low oil light warning by showing me a wrench and “oil, 15%”. I thought, I’m still ok. I can drive it a few miles without any danger to the engine. But every time I started the car the little wrench light was there warning me. I knew I had to respond to that little light. Yesterday I got the oil changed and it was comforting to see the oil level was marked 100%. It was reassuring to see that number.
I wish we had a clearly marked “warning, joy level down” marker in our own soul. In John 15 we find Jesus speaking clearly from his heart to his disciples–us included. Everything he taught them from John 14 to 17 are things he shared so “our joy may be full.” John 15:11. If we find our joy level dropping it may be because we have forgotten to pay attention to these instructions. We find the words: abide, obedience and trouble (or tribulation). To walk in the fullness of joy we must surrender to His will. As we surrender, by faith, to His will we can do it grudgingly or joyfully. Our choice is do we dutifully go about our tasks because we know it’s the ”right thing to do”, or do we choose to serve with joy? I would love to say I always serve with joy, but alas it is not true. We are often surrounded by “joy stealers”, and if we aren’t careful we can find ourselves as depressed, depleted and discouraged believers. Not really the abundant life our Lord has planned for us.
When we get deluged with negative thoughts, victim feelings or discouraging worms eating away at our confidence, joy can seem as elusive as a butterfly on a winter’s day. We can choose to press on with more of a brute determination simply using our natural will power while carrying these negative feelings along the journey or choose to make a change. If we carry on with life as usual, we carry the extra weight of discouragement. That is not His plan.
If you begin to recognize this pattern in your life the first thing you need to do is to stop! Take a minute or as long as it takes and pray. Ask the Lord to help you sort through your thoughts and feelings. David stopped and prayed in Psalm 51:12 restore unto me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 28:6-7 Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield, and I trust him with all my heart, He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
I want to encourage us all to take the time to read and study and begin to believe the various instructions that are found in John 14-17. The problems of life do not seem to be getting any easier. We need the strength that comes from His joy to face them, not only for ourselves but for others. As I waited on the Lord this morning, I truly did find my strength and focus renewed. Being a follower of Jesus, means just that: following His instructions and becoming more like Him. There is a definite connection to us having “joy” and taking the time to “rejoice”. If you are low in your joy level, take the time to rejoice in the God of your salvation. Paul exhorted the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4. Maybe you need to follow Luke 10:20, However do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. I wish I didn’t need to be reminded to rejoice as often as I do! But I am so grateful the Holy Spirit is good at reminding us. Years ago we sang a little tune: Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. Rejoice, Rejoice and again I say rejoice. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. We sang it in a round. It definitely helped us memorize, not only the scripture but what it meant. My friends, do not neglect monitoring your joy level.
Father, I ask you to help us not only learn about your joy, but apply all the instruction you gave us so we can walk in the fullness of joy. Forgive us for trying to live without it, In Jesus Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 