Unending Joy

But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves (John 17:13, NASB).

Joy. It’s something we all long for and yet at times it seems so elusive. There are so many things in life that can overwhelm us and steal our joy if we let them. But Jesus reminded us in his parting words to His disciples: “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you (John 16:22).”

If we keep our hope focused on Jesus and His promises, our joy will never be exstinguished. There may be days it feels diminished, but it cannot be snuffed out. Right now Jesus gives us a glimpse of that hope, a taste of that joy. “O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8)!

Recall a moment in your life where you felt incredible joy. Those are only glimpses of the joy to come. The closer we draw to Jesus, the more we can experience His joy. The more we will see that the things of this world are no match for God’s joy. 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. – 1 Peter 1:3-4, NIV