So that they may have My ...

... Joy

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From God’s Word: John 15:11

"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."

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THOUGHTS FROM TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

That very night, Jesus would be betrayed. The next day, He would be tortured and crucified. Yet His focus was on joy! This last evening with His disciples, He taught about a joy that would be complete and "made full."

Yes, He warned that they would suffer and "weep and lament." Meanwhile, the world around them would "rejoice". But their grief would "be turned into joy"

(v. 20).

Jesus asked them to consider the experience of a woman giving birth. She endured pain because of the joy of bringing a child into the world. In the same way, Jesus said the disciples would suffer short-term pain and grief, but all of this would be turned into a joy that no one could take away. It would last forever.

Jesus also taught that they would receive joy when they prayed in His name. Specifically, He commanded them to "ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." They were to pray boldly and expectantly. Along with answers to their prayers, they would receive fullness of joy-something they couldn't receive unless they asked in His name (John 16:20-24).

At the close of this teaching, Jesus told the Father that He had spoken to the disciples "so that they may have My joy made full in themselves" (John 17:13).

Today, remember that joy is not related to your external conditions. It's a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). You receive joy when you serve Jesus and have an intimate relationship with the Father...when you pray boldly, persevere through difficulties, and seek eternal answers.

Stand firm in your faith, and be bold in prayer. Yield to the presence of the Spirit, and receive the joy that Jesus promised. Fullness of joy!

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Prayer:

Father, I commit these needs to You: ______. Thank You for the answers. Thank You for giving me joy. I take my eyes off of my circumstances and focus on You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Extended Reading

John 15