I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:11 NLT
In this scripture, Jesus Christ had just told His disciples things which bring us joy. His expectation is for this joy to overflow. Prior to this scripture, Jesus indicated that we must remain in Him, keep His commandments, and ensure that the Word remains in us, the results of which is overflowing joy. In all honesty, if I am not saved and I don’t rely on the Holy Spirit as my helper, I won’t be able to hear His words and experience joy. Therefore, first and foremost, one must maintain a righteous relationship with the Lord, through being born again, to have this internal reservoir that can express itself in various forms, such as great delight (Psalm 92:4), shouts of song (Psalm 5:11) and praise to the Lord (Psalm 28:7). Great joy is a precious gift from the Lord. I am imagining the joy and great delight that kids have right now as they look forward to receiving their Christmas gifts and wearing new clothes from their loved ones. That sentiment is what we should have as children of God, daily ensuring that nothing dims this gift, a fruit of the spirit (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy… Galatians 5:22; NIV).
I have just alluded to the fact that being born again brings us a step closer to acquiring this joy; however, being in the presence of the Lord magnifies it. His presence gives us a great measure, that overflows: You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11 NIV). This joy is eternal; it cannot run dry when plugged into the Source. The Lord’s joy is personal. In His presence, there is FULLNESS OF JOY.
Like Mary, find yourself at the feet of Jesus to experience this joy. If you have not been to church in a while, beloved, may the Holy Spirit lead you to a Bible-based, Christ-centred church to be filled to the brim with the Lord’s joy. Because where two or 3 are gathered in His name, He is there.
Can I still be joyful when my house is being repossessed?
YES!!!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. (James 1:2; NIV)
When going through trials, one needs to endure the process. And the only way is to consider it pure joy, understanding that God’s grace and favour will help you to overcome the trial you’re faced with. Joy gives you the endurance to go through trials with grace. Because amid everything, you keep your trust in the Lord, and the eternal joy within can’t be stolen.
Can I still be joyful when I feel weak all over my body?
OOH YES!!!
…for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10; NIV)
There are certain events which will overwhelm you, like the passing of a loved one, losing a job or even going through a divorce. These deplete the strength you have. But when we understand the scripture above, we sure will be strengthened. God’s joy will certainly keep you going. Knowing that His joy flows in you and through you, will help you stand strong.
This great joy, joined with great faith, is a winning recipe during trials. Have faith in trusting that the Lord will indeed sustain you and all things eventually work together for good for those who love and trust in the Lord.
May the joy of the Lord fill our homes.
May the joy of the Lord fill our churches.
Don’t allow the devil to steal the joy that God wants you to have. Look to Jesus because He is the way, the Truth and the Life. He wants us to enjoy, to rejoice, to be glad in Him always.
John 16:24 (TPT): …And you can be sure that you’ll receive what you ask for, and your joy will have no limits!
As children of the Most High God, we have unlimited access to this joy by abiding in the Lord, all the time, remaining in Him.
With Joy
Lesego
Women of Reverence welcomes Lesego Masango as our guest contributor.
Lesego is a born again, daughter of the Most loving God. She is passionate about having an intimate relationship with God, to be His ambassador because He is perfect.
Lesego is married to Dr. Mxolisi (Thulani) Masango and they have been blessed with 4 handsome boys.
She is an author of 2 books, God’s Radiant Light and Anchored in Love, a 40 day devotional. She is a youth mentor at her local church, Fullness of Grace Ministry in Witpoortjie, a laboratory technologist by
profession, a member of Chosen wives’ ministry and Deborah arise network.
God has also led her to be a columnist for Thuba Pelo Mosadi Let’s talk mag. Lesego is also a guest blogger for Women of Reverence ministry. Recently, she has helped bring to life a book titled My Anchor, which showed her strength as an editor.