Jesus Came to Give Us Joy

Jesus Came to Give Us Joy

Matthew 2:10-11

And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

John 15:9-11

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

James 1:2-4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Acts 3:6, 8

In the name of Jesus Christ...(the paralytic) stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Nehemiah 8:10b

...the joy of the Lord is your strength.

My Child,

I came to give you joy. You must know, there is such a vast difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is surface and temporary; joy runs deep and is eternal. Happiness depends on circumstances, and it cannot withstand any trial; however, the joy that I give you is permanent and powerful, no matter the circumstance, no matter the trial. Let My joy abound in your heart each day.

Immanuel

Dear Lord,

Please help me not to confuse earthly happiness with eternal joy, especially this time of year when there is so much hustle and bustle in gathering the temporal things that go under the tree. YOU are the only true JOY GIVER! When we sit with You quietly in Your word, You soothe us; You abide in us; You come alive in us. Yes joy starts internally where You reside. We long for Your deeper things O God; we need more than "happy" in this life. Keep reminding us of this truth all day long. In Your Name. Amen