Sometimes it seems that we are so overcome by the negative things we see in the world, we forget that we are supposed to be joy filled Christians in life. John 15:11 says “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” This means that despite whatever the world throws at us, there are great reasons that we can have joy in life because we can joy in Christ.
We know that we can have joy in His salvation! This should be an easy one for us as the children of God to figure out. We know that eventually we are done with this world and will have an eternal home in heaven. “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasure are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue!” If we need joy in life, let’s take a moment to stop and remember that we are saved and on our way to heaven.
We know that we should have joy in His presence. It is amazing that Christ offers us so many opportunities to come into His presence. The deepest of those is the time we spend in His presence in prayer. It is a one-on-one time with the sovereign Lord of all creation. He wants to hear from us! Also consider we have His presence through the time we spend in His Word. We get to know the Lord’s heart and mind and we get to know His Word. Finally think about the presence we share with Christ in worship. Our time in church is an incredible opportunity to rejoice with other we know who love the Lord.
We know that we can have joy in His service. Matthew 25:23 “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” When we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we find that can serve the Lord with joy.
When we desire the joy that Christ offers us, we find that we can get through the more challenging times that we face. Joy in Christ is the key to joy in life.