"That your JOY may be full."‏

Dearest Ones,

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11) This sounds too good to be true! How many of you experience this joy? The world has a shortage of joy and too much fear, worry, and discouragement. True joy comes from filling the spiritual emptiness with God, who is pure joy. It comes from knowing that this world is not the end - there is a never-ending beautiful heaven waiting for all those who earn it. The Bible speaks much more often of joy than of being happy. Happiness comes by chance - it is a glad feeling because something is happening. It comes and goes, while joy goes on forever. Jesus said His joy "would remain in you" and "your joy no one will take from you." (John 15:11) A common mistake is to think that getting something will make you happy. But joy comes from giving and not from getting. To keep joy in our hearts, we must get rid of self-pity, and selfishness. For joy to stay, we must focus on loving others. Joy is largely gratitude - thanksgiving for the wonderful things God has done for us. God is joyful - far more than any human being! It's tragic to think that God is stern and crabby, instead of cheerful and smiling with a great sense of humor. He enjoys us! In case you think joy is spiritually unimportant, when St. Paul names the fruits of the Spirit, joy is second, while love is first. (Gal. 5:22-23) Joy is not optional. The Bible commands us to rejoice! In Philippians 4:4, Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!" Joy is a major topic in the Bible. Joy appears 158 times and rejoice 198 times. How can we rejoice when we see others suffering? It is because we have the joy of knowing God will eventually solve all problems. God's joy continues to flow through us even during suffering because we Christians believe in hope. We know suffering is limited to this life. We also rejoice in our sorrows because of our trials when we understand how God uses those trials to help us build godly character. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God." (Romans 8:28). James wrote: "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops faithfulness to God." (James 1:2). Joy is God's nature. We see proof of it everywhere: people smiling and laughing, birds singing, cats purring, flowers blooming, and the sun shining! Since God is so joyful, we should also be joyful! Take notice of Luke's description of true disciples: "And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 13:52) How can we be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit? Pray for it: "Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full!" (John 16:24) Our joy begins because Christ lives in us. Jesus prayed for His followers, "That they may have My joy in themselves." (John 17:13) I had a delightful time the past few days, as I went to the Black Hills with my niece, Linda Mullen, & family from Omaha. If ever one doubted the existence of God, such breath-taking beauty would soon convince him!

Joy and Peace to you,
Sister Francelle