Overflow in Joy

 I have told you these things so that you
will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!  
John 15:11 NLT
 
As a new Christian, I tried to do it all right. I studied the Bible, worked hard to serve in the church but, although I was growing in many areas, I remember crying out to the Lord, “Where’s the joy?!”  I wanted joy.
You might relate to that desire.  It took years before I began to realize that the Lord had been answering me.  Our pastor had taught us, “Joy is not happiness.”  Happiness is dependent on our circumstances.
 
While studying the book of Nehemiah I was challenged by his declaration to his people at the completion of the wall, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Neh.8:10) It dawned on me it’s not my joy, but the Lord’s joy that will overflow and give me strength.

Gradually it began, to accept that joy is not dependent on me.  It is the Lord’s gift to me as I pursue a relationship with him and learn to rely more and more on him alone in every area of my life.  In the grace-filled relationship with Jesus, the roots of my heart gradually grow deeper into the Father’s heart, his love.  I become anchored in God, unshakable by the stress of daily life. 

And as a proud Father, God’s delight, his joy in me, begins to bubble up.  I matter.  I am seen and heard by God. I begin to trust that I am the new creation he promised in Christ his Son.  I am deeply accepted for who God created me to be.  I am loved and never will be rejected nor abandoned.  I belong to our amazing King Jesus, purchased by his sacrifice. My very being is rooted in the unchanging purpose and fulfillment of my eternal destiny.

So, life will bring its challenges.  My health may fail.  A flood may wash away my cherished possessions.  My earthly relationships may fall apart, and my earthly livelihood become insecure. But I remain valued, loved, and secure.  My future destination is irrevocable, because I belong to Jesus my Savior. I rejoice daily that I am known by my heavenly Father and I am being renewed and empowered by the Holy Spirit who lives in me.
 
The good gifts God gives us cannot be taken from us.  If Jesus promised joy would overflow from what he told us, let’s listen and receive it. Expect to be filled daily with God’s gift of joy. And watch the joy overflow!

Dear friends, be blessed with supernatural endurance and strength as you seek and receive more of the Lord and his joy.  You were designed to be loved and filled with joy.  Your entire body, soul and spirit will rejoice as you receive more of God, his love, peace and joy. Smile. Joy is real and is anchored in your relationship with Jesus.  Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ July 30, 2024