The Joy Of The Lord

We want to switch from the 72 disciples to the next two verses that tell us about Christ’s joy. 

21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit... (NIV)

Jesus was full of joy! What was it that made Jesus joyful? Where is Jesus getting His joy from? Now notice what Jesus does once He’s filled with joy through the Holy Spirit. He begins to pray. In fact, it’s not just a prayer… it’s a praise. The first few words: “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…”

Where does that joy come from? It is OF THE LORD! This kind of joy is not OF the world. The world did not and cannot give us that kind of joy… God did and God can. Since the world did not give it to us – the world cannot take it away!

The joy of this world will fail us. If our joy is focused on what we can do… then we can lose that. If our joy is in possessions and when we lose our possessions – we lose our joy. If our joy is in our health when we lose it – we lose our joy.

Jesus says, “Didn’t I tell you? There is nothing you have on this earth that you’ll ever keep.” But the Kingdom of God can turn your sorrows, struggles, stress, and sadness into Joy.

22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no-one will take away your joy. (John 16:22)

We rejoice in the Lord and not life’s happenings because Jesus is unchangeable and constant.

Prayer: Dear Father, I know that joy based on worldly possessions will never last. Joy in the Lord is everlasting and eternal. Holy Spirit, help me seek joy in the Lord every day. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!