Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (KJV) You WILL have trouble! It is a reminder to us all that there will inevitably be moments that cause us deep sadness, tough days and moments and even persecution for our faith! But – knowing the Lord Jesus gives us a deep inner joy that is inexpressible! The Apostle Peter who knew Jesus very well suffered much for the cause of knowing Christ, but he reminds us in his letter in 1 Peter, chapter 1 verse 8: -“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” We certainly can!!
In this world we can look to many different things to please us. Entertainment, career, marriage and then perhaps a family that give us a purpose, happiness and joy. But is that everything? Does this explain the bigger picture of all that we see around us, and also what happens if you don’t have those ‘things’ we want? Charles Spurgeon once said: – “There is a fullness of joy in God that can be found nowhere else, the near we come to him, the more Joy become us, the more joy takes over us.” When we know Him and what Jesus has done for us, we walk into a divine purpose for our lives. Our joy is not now dependent upon what we have and whether we have a great job, relationship or friends! No! Our joy is in Jesus whether we have little or much.
When we stop and think of Jesus and his love for us, remaining on the cross to die, to redeem us from all our sins and save us, we can rejoice as the prophet Isaiah writes in Chapter 12 verses 2 and 3!
Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid;
‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song;
He also has become my salvation.’ ”
Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.
“With joy, we draw water from the wells of salvation!” Jesus invites us to come to Him and drink from Him, that once you taste the living water of Him, you will never thirst again!
Psalm 37 verse 4, so precious and true! “Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Yes indeed.
