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What Brings Jesus Joy?
As I was looking up “Joy” in the Bible, I came across this Scripture: John 15:11 Jesus says, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
Reflecting on this bit of text, I had to wonder, what is Jesus’ joy? I mean, really. I love Jesus, but He doesn’t really present Himself as a particularly joyful kind of fellow. Think about it. I know what makes me have joy and how I act when I’m joyful. I am silly and laugh a lot. I don’t see this type of behavior with Jesus. While thinking about writing this challenge, I thought of many “things” and “situations” that bring joy to my life. For instance, a glass of ice cold, grape Kool-aid after mowing the grass on a hot summer day brings joy to my heart. It’s not long lasting because when the Kool-aid is gone, so is the feeling.
My husband brings me joy. The way he plants tender kisses on my lips or the special way he looks at me from across the room making me feel connected to him. Or when he has supper ready after I’ve worked all day and he fixes my plate and serves it to me in my recliner. But when I need the dogs taken out and he is in the middle of a game on the computer or watching a ballgame, well, the joy is gone.
Listening to Christian music fills me with joy. But is it true joy or is it just that I’m accustomed to listening to this type of music after all of these years?
Watching the dogs bring me joy too, when they act silly or lovable. Having them in my arms cradled like babies, gives me the “baby fix” since I don’t have children, but is it the joy that Jesus was talking about? When they fight with each other or tear up my favorite book or stuffed animal, my joy is gone.
He said we could have HIS joy in us. I’m thinking His joy is everlasting, not momentary. How do we get this joy when I don’t even know what this joy is?
I know that Jesus loves me and I know that He died for me. I am very grateful. I’ve read the Scriptures and I know the Word, but I don’t really see Jesus as having a lot of joy, I mean no disrespect, but if you read this Scripture, it says His joy would remain in us, which means we could have it always, right?
Well, I want what He had, because I know it has to be good, but I don’t see my interpretation of joy in Jesus. When I have joy, I express amusement, and nothing bothers me. I suppose, in Jesus’ case, he had a lot on His mind and probably had a lot that bothered Him, but what joy is He talking about?
What is Jesus' joy? What thrilled Him to the point of being joyful? I know what frustrated Him. I know what brought Him sorrow. I know what hurt Him. I know what killed Him. But, what brings Him joy? I wonder if there is a simple answer.
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