Jesus promised joy to His disciples (including you and me) in spite of the fact that they would be facing many trials and difficulties, even persecutions, and that there would be adverse circumstances in the world in which we live. The key to having this joy is that of knowing Him, and abiding in Him. In John 15:7-11 He said, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you…These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” In writing about experiencing various things that try us, James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” That is not to rejoice in the test or the trial as of itself, but to rejoice by the Spirit of God that dwells in you and, if allowed, will implement positive results proving the genuineness of your faith, purging away dross, and stripping away that which is false! Moving to verses 3-4, James speaks of patience; this should not be interpreted as passively resigning to these tests and trials, but rather being steadfast in a positive faith, bravely enduring to see the end results! Yes, “the joy of the Lord” is very unconventional: it is not from circumstances without, but is from a “wellspring” within.
I PROMISE YOU JOY (PART I)
-By Rose Hill
People think you can’t be sane,
When in trials you let joy reign.
But joy in your heart will overflow,
When endurance and patience you learn to know.
Jesus gave a message for us to abide,
And stay very close to His side.
This message much joy will bring,
It makes us rejoice with Jesus our King.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version Copyright by Thomas Nelson Co and are used by permission.