You know the feeling—when you hear an epic prophecy that something amazing is coming your way, and you’re buzzing with excitement. You can barely contain yourself, right? But then, fast forward a week or two, and that hype seems to have fizzled out. It’s like the initial rush of joy has gone flat. We often think that just picturing ourselves enjoying this next-level blessing is all it takes to keep the joy alive. But let’s be real, there’s a lot more to it than that.
Jesus said in John 15:11 (NLT), “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” He wasn’t talking about a temporary burst of happiness that fades away. He was laying down the real deal: profound joy that doesn’t just come and go but overflows and sticks around. It keeps flowing, no matter what’s going on in your life.
This kind of joy is about having a solid, ongoing sense of peace and contentment that stays with you through all the ups and downs. So, what’s the secret to keeping this joy intact? It’s not just about the thrill of a prophecy or the excitement of an upcoming blessing. It’s about keeping our union with Jesus strong by living out His teachings. In John 15:4 (NLT), Jesus told us, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” That’s the key. Staying plugged into the Lord Jesus and keeping his Words close to our hearts is what keeps our joy full and lasting.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when a great prophecy has been spoken over our lives, but let’s not forget that God’s entire Word is the bread of life, and Jesus Christ is indeed the living Word of God. 1 Peter 2:23(NLT) reminds us, “For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” The trappings of the world can be captivating, and we can be tricked into thinking the allure of those things will make our joy full, but this just isn’t so. It’s staying in God’s Word that solidifies our joy and keeps us excited about the possibilities that Christ brings into our lives.
Philippians 4:4 (NLT) says, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” This verse isn’t just about feeling happy for a moment. It’s a call to make joy a constant part of our lives by making the daily choice to stay focused on the goodness of God, regardless of our circumstances.
In my life, I’ve witnessed countless believers face heartbreaking tragedies, sometimes one after another. Despite their profound grief, they managed to keep praising God, encouraging others, and celebrating our Heavenly Father’s goodness. For a long time, I wondered how they maintained such strength and faith in the midst of their suffering. However, having navigated through my own heavy challenges over time, I now understand the resilience of their joy.
The key to enduring faith and joy lies in the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives within. When we are emotionally drained and our hearts feel shattered, the Holy Spirit is our Source of strength. The psalmist understood this and prayed in Psalm 51:10 (NLT), “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” The Spirit gives us a renewed heart, enabling us to praise and celebrate God. The comfort he offers goes beyond our understanding, wrapping us in a peace that defies the pain we feel.
The Holy Spirit also helps us remember that nothing is too broken for God to fix. Regardless of how shattered we may feel, we’re never beyond repair—never beyond the reach of God’s healing. The Spirit keeps us grounded, reminding us that our Heavenly Father is always in control. So, we really don’t have to fear or worry about anything. We’re covered by the grace of God, no matter what.
With the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ offers a profound promise. In John 16:23-24 (NLT), he states, “23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” Praying in Jesus’ name isn’t just about tacking on a phrase at the end of your prayers; it signifies our union with him—that we understand we’re called to carry forth his purpose for our lives. It involves aligning our requests with what he wants and acknowledging his authority. This approach to prayer reflects a true acceptance of Christ’s mission and a surrender to God’s plan.
The joy that comes from this isn’t just feeling happy—it’s a deep, satisfying contentment that comes from being in harmony with God’s Will and witnessing His blessings manifest in our lives. This joy is rooted in a deeper understanding of His overwhelming goodness, power, love, and grace; and His willingness to use it for our benefit and well-being.
This deep, unshakable confidence that we have in God is the foundation of our joy. It’s a reservoir of the joy of Christ that never runs dry. The path to this joy and peace is already within us because we’ve accepted Christ. If we pray and meditate on God’s goodness, and we’re diligent to seek the Lord, the Holy Spirit will help us find our way so that we are immersed in the abundant joy of the Lord continually. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“You Will Have Abundant Joy!”, written by Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.