Maneuvers - No. 53
Joy Is
in You
Where do you find joy, friend?
There are so many things–big and small–that give us (Jennifer and Justin) joy. Here are a few:
• Our family
• The people impacted by Gather’s various ministries
• Conversations with friends
• Forests and campfires and mountains
• Bikes rides and early morning breakfasts… our list could go on and on.
What’s on your joy list? We’re sure it’s filled with some amazing people and things.
But here’s the problem. Nothing and no one on our list can always give us joy. Sometimes people will fail us (or we will fail them). Sometimes bad weather makes beautiful spots unenjoyable. And sometimes delicious foods impact our health negatively.
The point is, nothing in this world can give us constant joy without fail. Nothing can fully satisfy us.
But Jesus told his disciples: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, ESV, emphasis added).
Is our joy full? Do we feel filled to the brim with the lasting joy that comes from Jesus’ presence?
Today, we invite you to join us in receiving the joy that is in Jesus and that is Jesus. As we listen to Holy Spirit’s words, let’s allow his love to wash over us, cleansing us of everything that blocks our peace.
01.
The Message
“There is life ahead, you know. Not all is heavy. Not all is work. Raise your head now. See me. Catch my eye. There is joy here. Now–in this moment. There is joy in me.
“This joy is not fixed. It is not stationary or temporary. It is not conditional. It is not something to attain or grasp as if it were fleeting, as if you need to work hard to experience it.
“I am here. I am joy.
“This world, with its messages of how you must do certain things to be happy misses the mark. It encourages you to seek out situations that bring ease and comfort–no stress and no pain. What I want you to know is that joy is what you are made for. Joy is in you. Joy is for you. Joy is your inheritance–the inheritance of this moment, every moment with me.
“Come to the deeper place with me. Come deep into your heart. Let me touch the places there that are hurting. Let me restore the broken parts of you–heal the emotional scars. Let me rewrite the message you have believed for so long: “Things will be better someday; just not today.” Because why not today? Why wait for joy?
“If joy is not conditional ... if joy is not dependent upon your job or your health … if joy is not something you earn or attain but receive … then, child, here. Here is joy. Here I am.
“My love for you secures you–it makes you steadfast. And that is what joy is; joy is steadfast. Joy is permanent. Joy is lasting. Joy is solid ground. I love you. I am for you. I am with you. I am all that you need. Do not look anywhere else but my love to equip you and restore you and give you hope. Joy is your hope. All for you, all of me. I hold nothing back from you. I died for you. My love fought for you.
“Joy–I gave everything just so you could have it. I would do it all over just to give to you–I would do it again and again.”
02.
Listen
What thoughts ran through your mind and what emotions did you feel as you read this week’s message? How would you like to respond to the Lord? Let’s set a timer for 5 or so minutes to write our response to him in our journals.
03.
Think
“The Lord himself is my inheritance, my prize. He is my food and drink, my highest joy! He guards all that is mine” (Psalm 16:5, TLB).
1. Where do you struggle to feel joy in your life? What circumstances tend to steal that joy from you?
2. What if your joy didn’t depend on your circumstances? How would that change the way you approach daily life? How would it impact your relationships with God and with others?
3. How is Jesus calling you to experience joy today? What practical steps will you take?
04.
Trust
Is it possible to have joy in the hard times? In the mundane? In the weariness? In the waiting?
The Bible tells us over and over: Yes, it is possible! Keep in mind, friend, this doesn’t diminish the hardships we go through. Jesus doesn’t berate us for not feeling happy when times are tough.
No, he is full of compassion… because he understands suffering. And it’s from that place of understanding that he calls us to joy–by calling us to himself. Because joy is so much more than a feeling, isn’t it?
Let’s look at what King David discovered about joy:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, ESV).
Where does David say he finds joy? Where does he experience the greatest pleasures?
God’s joy and delights will always trump the temporary highs this world offers. That’s because true, authentic joy (the kind we don’t have to force) flows directly from a place of receiving Jesus’ love–his unconditional love that just keeps giving and giving and giving.
Let’s soak up God’s truth about joy. Can we find our Bible, a journal, and a quiet spot? Good… Now, let’s read through the following verses:
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Matthew 13:44
• John 15:11
• John 16:24
• Hebrews 12:2
• James 1:2
What stood out to you in these passages? Did you notice any common themes or lessons? What did Holy Spirit whisper to your heart as you read?
Now, let’s choose one of those verses and go through it again–slowly, this time. Let’s take our time, savoring each word and letting Holy Spirit speak to us. If it helps, set a timer for a few minutes to focus on the passage.
And now, let’s close with a heartfelt prayer…
05.
Pray
Lord, I confess the ways I’ve allowed my joy to depend on the temporary pleasures of this world. Teach me how to find all my joy in you–in your steadfast love and compassion for me. Your love never fails, so teach me to experience joy that never fails either.
Reveal yourself to me in deeper ways. Open my eyes to see you and my ears to hear you. You are always speaking, so show me how to listen and how to receive all the good things you have for me.
With you, I can have joy, even when life is hard. With you, I have what it takes to get through each day with victory. I love you, Lord–I love you so much.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Waving the banner with you,
