The Joy of the LordSample

The Joy That Doesn’t Fade by Pastor Glenn Yamaguchi

Senior Pastor of New Hope Kapolei – Oahu, Hawaii

Scripture

John 16:22-24, "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. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

Observation

On the night of his arrest, Jesus gives a glimpse to his disciples that a great time of sorrow is coming.  Though Jesus has alluded to it, they will feel blindsided when He is torn from them as He fulfills his mission to go to the cross.  But, the good news is that is not the end of the story.  What that time of grief accomplishes is something of amazing Joy demonstrated at the Resurrection.   

Application  

The disciples were not unique to being blinded by broken expectations and grief; likewise, as followers of Jesus we are not exempted from the challenges and pains of life. But  this is not your destination, but part of the journey.  The destination God has for us is the place of joy that has been purchased and made available to us through the cross.   

I see 3 ways we can experience the spiritual reality of joy that Jesus promises.  

1) Remember God is always with us.  You are not alone, no challenge, problem, circumstance, or emotion can separate us from the presence and love of Christ.  Jesus has opened the doors of heaven for us and He dwells in us by the Spirit.  

2) Remember God the Father hears you and your prayers like He hears Jesus.  The Father hears us because we are justified by Jesus sacrifice, not just having our sins forgiven but God sees us and hears just as He does Jesus.  

3) Pray in the Name of Jesus.  This isn’t magic. We don’t ask for whatever fleshly indulgence we can think of and add “in Jesus name” add poof it’s done!  Rather, it is praying in the authority of Jesus – not just what I want, but for the enforcement of the will of God in my life and in the world. Jesus also told us this includes our prayers for our daily needs.  

Prayer

Father, thank you that no matter what is going on around me, whatever is going on within me, You are still with me.  I am standing today on the fact that I am Yours and You hear me now, not based on my performance but because of who I am in Jesus.  Fill me with Your Joy.  

Reflection

Is there anything that Jesus promised you is true for His followers that will help you experience His Joy today?