Promise of Joy

Jesus said to His disciples…I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:9-11

Olive Trees in the Garden of Gethsemane - Israel

Jesus said these comforting, hopeful words of joy to His disciples during His Last Passover Supper with them shortly before He was arrested, tried, and crucified. He was speaking not just to the disciples but to each person who became a follower. In His prayer to His Father in Gethsemane He expressed that desire…praying for all who will ever believe in Him.      

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  John 17:20

Are you one of the people for whom Jesus was praying? If you believe in Him as God…as the Son of God…as the one who sacrificed His life for your sin, then you are one of His followers. If not…then do you need more information about Jesus to make a decision about who His is? The prophet Ezra recorded some wise advise that David gave to his son, Solomon.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find Him. But if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9.

Jesus gave similar guidance to the crowd listening to His Sermon on the Mount.

Gate at the Mount of Beatitudes - Israel

Near where the Sermon on the Mount may have occurred.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NASB.

Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near. Isaiah 55:6.

Good advice. Look for God…seek Him first in all that you do. One of my favorite verses…and the lyrics to a song I learned as a young Christian…talks about seeking God first.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NASB

As you find God, you will find the joy that He has promised.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. Psalm 5:11

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 73, 77-78

© 2017 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.