John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Christians ought to be the happiest people on earth. They have a sure salvation, access to the Creator of the universe, promises of answers to prayer, a promise that everything works out for good, power to get victory over sin, and an eternity of living with God.
Many Christians, it seems, know very little of this joy in their daily life. Instead, they often are just as unhappy in life as are many unbelievers. Also, they are unaware how to get the joy that God wants them to have.
The believer’s joy may not be constant, but a Christian should have joy through much of the day. Some people think that becoming a Christian will rob them of joy and happiness. Far from it. Instead, they will gain a joy like they never had before.
Paul spoke much of joy even though he suffered much. The believer’s joy is not based on happenings or circumstances. It is internal because the Holy Spirit gives it. Since it is not derived from positive circumstances, believers often find that a lack of circumstances cannot take it away.
The text verse above says two things about the joy that God gives. God wants:
- Your joy to remain – durable, not easily lost
- Your joy to be full – not limited to a little bit – but maximum joy.
The world thinks that happiness can be gained by doing what you want – be your own boss. In contrast, the believer’s joy comes when we surrender to do His will – and are doing it.
Romans 14:17 tells us: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” This verse tells us that our joy does not come from feasting and partying (“meat and drink”), but from the Holy Spirit as we let Him live through us.