December 8th – December 14th, 2022
VERSE OF THE WEEK
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:11
Deep Down Joy
It has been said that a child laughs on average about 400 times a day, but an adult only 15 times, or fewer. While laughter might be “inner jogging” for your body, as author Norman Cousins once said, it is not the indicator of joy in your life. If you look at the Greek translation, “joy” in today’s verse is “deep delight” and “gladness.” Can you imagine a more joyful person to ever walk the Earth than Jesus? He had no worries, no burdens, and no failings. He would not have had many followers had He been depressed or miserable. It is true He became the Man of Sorrows when He took your sin burden to the Cross, but there was great joy in His resurrection. Search yourself today to confirm the fullness of joy within you that comes from living in His presence (Psalm 16:11). Practice the pure pleasure of knowing Him and receiving His love… and laugh more often, too!
