Read John 15:9-12
Discover
1. What action verbs do you see in these verses?
2. How is joy described?
3. Where do these verses say our joy comes from?
Respond
Overflowing joy. This is easy to picture when there’s an abundance of good things in our lives. Good circumstances, good job, good home, good relationships. But what about when things aren’t good? Jesus says joy is still available to us. Joy in abundance, but a different kind of abundance than what the world looks for. Abundance of love, obedience, and relationship with God. By His definition, these are the keys to overflowing joy.
Where have you looked for joy in the wrong places? Do you need to shift your focus to remaining in God’s love and obeying His commands? Take a few minutes to confess where you’ve confused the world’s definition of joy with God’s definition. Ask Him to reorder your priorities and help you to focus on becoming more like Him. Then take a step to do that today.
Want to go deeper? Watch this video for examples throughout the Bible of how God’s people experienced abundant joy, no matter their circumstances.
*TPCC does not necessary endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.