An Everlasting Joy
He says, I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. -- John 15:11 (HCSB)
There’s something magical about being at a theme park. The excitement builds as you enter the gates, the smell of popcorn and funnel cakes filling the air. The thrill of the rides, the laughter, and the lights make it feel like joy is everywhere. But as the day winds down and you head to the parking lot, exhaustion sets in. The excitement fades, and the joy that felt so strong just hours ago starts slipping away.
That’s the thing about worldly joy. It’s often temporary. It comes in bursts, tied to experiences that don’t last. But Jesus offers us something different. In John 15:11, He says, He says, “I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (HCSB). The joy He gives isn’t tied to circumstances. It’s steady and deeply rooted in Him.
In John 15: 1-17, Jesus compares our relationship with Him to a vine and branches. Just like a branch must stay connected to the vine to thrive, we must remain in Him to experience true joy which is a fruit of the Spirit. When we stay close to Jesus through prayer, reading His Word, and trusting Him, we bear fruit that lasts. However, when we drift away, it’s like stepping out of the theme park at the end of the day. The excitement fades, and we’re left longing for more.
That’s why Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (HCSB). When we prioritize our relationship with Christ above distractions, worries, and worldly pursuits, everything else falls into place. Our joy will be unshakable because it will be rooted in our relationship with Christ.
There have been times when I’ve felt my joy slipping away. Life’s worries creep in, distractions pull me away, and suddenly, I feel distant from God. But every time I return to Him, spending time in His presence, I find that deep, unshakable joy again. Romans 15:13 reminds us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (HCSB).
Joy isn’t found in temporary moments. It’s found in Jesus. When we remain in Him and seek Him first, we don’t have to chase after joy; it becomes a part of us. So, just like a theme park visit comes to an end, but our love for adventure remains, let’s hold onto the kind of joy that doesn’t fade when the day is over. Stay close to the Vine, seek His kingdom first, and His joy will always be with you.
Questions for Reflection:
1. What distractions tend to pull you away from remaining in Christ?
2. Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or playing games on your phone? Are you constantly busy with work?
3. How can you stay more connected to Jesus in your daily life?
