[Jesus speaking]
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
What is joy and how is it different from happiness or contentment? How do I gain more joy in life? These questions have stayed with me through life.
First Jesus says that he is the vine and we are the branches. If we remain in him we will bear much fruit. Fruit comes after much effort and intention has been paid. It is not immediate.
Happiness comes and goes as a feeling that relates to many different things in life: mood, sunshine, accomplishing goals, good relationships, fun activities, etc.
Joy can be found in both times of happiness and in times of sadness. This is because joy is not dependent on how we feel but on whose we are and how we live life.
There are several equations here we need to pay attention to: 1) Remaining in Jesus = him remaining in us and us bearing much fruit. This means Jesus is the source of our good fruit. 2) Bearing Fruit = a demonstration of the all-out commitment of being a disciple. Good fruit is the evidence we have Jesus actively engaged in our hearts. 3) Keeping Jesus’ Commands = remaining in his love. This is the day-to-day, hour-by-hour process of obedience to Jesus, God’s Word, and God’s plan for our lives. We must seek him hard, read his Word, listen to his Spirit prompt our hearts, and act in obedience to his commands. 4) Remaining in Jesus and His Love = his joy in us & His Joy in Us = our joy being complete.
So true joy in life comes from Jesus, and when, out of dwelling with him in obedience, we receive his love — his joy overflows in our hearts!
Thank you, Lord, for this key verse to understand JOY! It only comes from a life wholly committed to seeking after you and your ways in obedience to your commands. Teach me to obey sooner at the mind and heart levels, I pray!
Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; in thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Good devo as usual Joe!