That Your Joy May Be Full..

That Your Joy May Be Full...

~I was reading through the Gospel of John recently and was hit with how much wisdom is in the Bible.  I have heard the stories in the Gospels and read them so many times, but I find something new and wonderful every time.  ~

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy in you, and that your joy may be full." - John 15:11

As you can tell from speaking to me or reading earlier blog posts, (i.e. "2018 Was My Dirt Year") last year was not my favorite. I would not take back a single day, because God taught me so much that I am truly so glad to know now. I learned (not for the last time, I'm sure) to find peace and hope in Christ during rough times.

This year, although young, has been a bit kinder. I have been surrounded by great friends, family, words from God, and so much...joy! So many people have been sharing what God has been doing in their lives and what an encouragement that has been.

I do not want to become complacent in my pursuit of God just because things are going well now. God is not my "Phone a Friend" when I am in a sticky situation. He should be my constant walking companion. Rather, I should be His constant walking companion. This year I want to have a truly deeper joy. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is dependent on my current situation. I should radiate joy whether in a valley or rejoicing on a mountaintop.

"20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."    -John 16:20- 24