“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:11 

Scripture reading: John 15:1-11

Joy is the possession of every child of God. The triune God is a God of joy and the source of joy to all who trust in Him. In Deuteronomy 16:15, Moses told the children of Israel: “The Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.” And the second fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 is “joy.” This means that those in whom the Holy Spirit dwells will possess, to some extent, joy.

Jesus instructed His disciples (and you) in the upper room so that His joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. He said this after saying that He is the Vine and we are the branches, and apart from Him we can do nothing. Apart from Jesus, we cannot bear fruit. Apart from Jesus, we are nothing but withering branches, only good for being “gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” So Jesus lovingly instructs and encourages us to abide in Him. Only then will we thrive, bear fruit and live. Only then will we know the joy that Jesus promises.

This means romance will not bring lasting joy. Recreation and sports cannot offer lasting joy. Politics and governments cannot bring you joy. Only by abiding in Christ will you have joy. Why? Because He is the ultimate and only source of joy!

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that you would abide in Christ, from whom all blessings flow. Pray for the joy of the Lord.

Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.