When was the last time you experienced complete joy? Was it when a family member visited after several years of absence? Maybe after securing a new job with higher pay? Maybe you saved enough for a new car? What would bring full joy to your life?
One young man drove six hours to a church singles retreat. The first night, he noticed a young lady with beautiful eyes. She captured his attention. He moved in her direction. She exchanged pleasant conversation with him.The next morning each single in attendance received a name tag with a number on back. Everyone was instructed to locate the person with their matching number, then introduce him or her to the entire group.The young man was elated that the lady with radiant eyes had his matching number. After writing down her address and phone number on the final day, he said he’d contact her.
That night he nervously called her. He asked to visit her at home. Driving six hours to her workplace, they then drove to her house. Staying up all night talking, drinking tea, and eating her home-baked cookies, in the morning they drove along the coast. By late afternoon they both believed that God had brought them together. His heart was filled with joy! They’ve now been married for many decades.
Jesus told His disciples that He would make their joy “full” ( John 15:11). Jesus also told His disciples to “ask now, and you will receive. Your joy will be complete” (John 16:24). When Jesus told His disciples that He would need to leave them, He told them they would “have pain now, but I will see you again. Your heart will be glad. No one will be able to take your joy away from you” John 22.
The apostle Paul says, “The God of hope will fill you with every kind of happiness and peace while you trust him. He will use hope to flood you with the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans15: 13. When Paul says, “The God of hope will fill you with every kind of happiness and peace,” that excludes all else. Only having a trusting hope in Jesus brings complete gladness. Trust and obey Him to enjoy this joyful life!