John 17:13 But now I am coming to you, and I am saying these things in the world, so they may experience my joy completed in themselves.

Commentary: It is ok to experience joy in working for the Lord.

Reflection: Pastor Schnider’s wife used to minister to a lady in southern Michigan. One day she contacted us and wanted us to care for that lady. When we asked to give us more information as to her decision, she said that due to this lady overburdening her with requests she needed to put a boundary with her and find someone else who would care for this lady. Ministry to her had become a drag rather than a joy and she wanted out.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, my Savior, my source of joy, I do praise You for the life You have given to us so we can minister with joy to those around us. Amen

Commentary: Verse 13 is a nice verse and it is good to expand upon it:

John 15:11 I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

Commentary: Simply said, joy comes to us as we work with Jesus while we minister to others around us.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

1 John 1:4 We write these things so that our joy may be complete.

Commentary: The Bible is written so that as we read it and put what we read into practice we may experience joy.

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: When we lead life filled with hope, with optimism, and faith we experience joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Commentary: We as followers of Christ Jesus look for joy in our relationship with Jesus.

Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Isaiah 61:10 I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

Commentary: The third ingredient to our joy is believing that God exists and living a life as if He is near. God is near us to help us make it to the New Jerusalem and not in any way to give us a hard time or zap us.

Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Commentary: We rejoice because we know what our end will be. Our names are written in the book of life, which means that we will spend eternity with Jesus Christ and those we love. This is the fourth contributing factor to our joy.

Matthew 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.

Reflection: We find joy in painful experiences because we know what our final end will be. We suffer well, knowing that our guardian angel is close to us and Jesus Christ as well.

Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,

Reflection: We take that water of life as the Samaritan women from John 4 did, but we do not keep that water of life only for ourselves, but we share it with others around us as well.

Prayer: Wonderful Saviour, keep on pointing me to persons around me who need this water of life that You offer so abundantly. Amen

Peter Caran

Pastor of Cobourg and Harmony Churches