3rd Sunday of Advent – The Joy – John 15:11, Nehemiah 8:10b

Blessings of Joy! Prayer requests?

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.”

Nehemiah 8:10b, “… Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Italics mine)

A baby’s smile, the perfect gift, a bonus, and a compliment delight us. A funny joke, a comedy show or hilarious ‘you tube’ video make us laugh. A sweet shared memory, the boss’s approval, and a friend’s encouragement help us feel good. A tasty meal, a job well-done, and fun times with good friends bring pleasure. Christmas lights, songs of the season, and bright and cheery decorations gladden our hearts. We feel happy, maybe overjoyed, but this feeling fades, often as soon as circumstances change.

Is there a joy that never dissolves, never surrenders, is never suppressed; in fact, supersedes all others? Yes! While happiness happens because it is dependent upon ‘happenings,’ God’s joy abides. It’s everlasting and seeps into and saturates every sensation of heart, mind, body and soul if we allow it in. When we focus on Jesus it survives through ill-health, chronic pain, unexpected financial set-back, devastation of relationship ruin, agony of loved one’s death, betrayal of family or friends, grief over wayward children and sorrow of loneliness and depression.

Jesus lives eternally as Who was, Who is and Who is to come, the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8), so His joy does too! Look to the Lord this Christmas and find everlasting joy because, as the verses states, the joy of the Lord is our strength and with Him, our joy is forever complete.

Frolicking in Jesus Joy, PJ         COPYRIGHT ©2013 PJ Gover

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