Joy

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

In my morning reading, I came across this verse. I have read it many times before but this time it jumped out at me.

I want joy! I want to be full of joy. I bet that would make it easier to live with me.

So what are these things that Jesus referred to? It all starts in John 15:1.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:1-11

Here is what I get from it.

• I’m a branch. I need to receive nourishment from God. I don’t have it in myself.
• He will prune me for fruit bearing. He will cut away stuff that inhibits growth of the fruit of the Spirit.
• As I abide in Him and His word abides in me, I will experience answered prayer.
• As I bear fruit, it will bring glory to God.
• Abiding in Him enables me to keep His commandments.
• The result of this is complete joy.

Dear Lord, thank you for the amazing work you are doing in me. Help me to receive your work in my life. May you be glorified through me.

Philip