Joy
Joy. Since I grew up in a Christian home and sat under good, Bible-based teaching for most of my life I have heard many sermons on this topic. I can quote the cute little acrostic J esus, O thers, Y ou, and know that joy can only extend from a relationship with the Lord. However, I cannot recall ever learning that Jesus tied joy to anything except….keeping His commandments. Last week, while working on my Bible study these verses registered in my heart and mind with new clarity.
John 15:10-11 "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Keeping His commandments? In my flesh I immediately ask “Well, where’s the fun in that? How in the world does that work…. How does keeping a strict set of commandments bring joy, a sense of deep happiness?” But then I look at the pa