Joy.

April 19, 2014

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:9, 11

1. Joy recognized. Jesus offers eternal life defined by joy instead of pain and disappointment. When you know the love of God, you know joy—not a superficial emotion, but deep gladness.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

2. Joy restored. If your joy in life has grown cold, it can be restored. The answer to any challenge or blasé feeling is found in seeking God and reading His Word. Meditate on God’s great love for you, on His promises for your life found in the Bible. God is so great and wonderful. He can take a whisper of a prayer from your heart and stretch it as big as the universe.

3. Joy received. If you’ve never asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, pray this simple prayer: “Dear God, in my heart I know the truth about Jesus. I know He is Your Son and that He died for me and rose from the dead. Forgive me for all my sins. I receive Jesus into my life right now. Instill in me a fresh sense of vision and purpose. I ask for Your joy to strengthen me and Your peace to sustain me. I pray Your plan comes to pass in my life, in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Joy.
Greek: chara
Cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness
–Strong’s Greek Dictionary of the New Testament

Happy Easter!
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2014 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Copyright 1890 by James Strong, Madison, NJ.