John 15 in The Message Bible reads as follows: “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love….” To me, this is one of the most hopeful portions of the Gospel. We aren’t just called to internal life, but also to a joyful life! What could that mean to you and me today as we live in turbulent times?
I’m certainly not remotely qualified to explain all of the theological implications of this passage; I’ll leave that to more learned scholars. However, I don’t think this passage means that once I become a Christian, my life is honky-dory! While encountering Christ is a life-changing experience, we still must live in this world. That means that bills still come due, that medical tests sometimes reveal cancer, and that sometimes, even Christians suffer from depression.
So, what is this joy Jesus speaks of? I think this is something more profound than just a superficial ‘happy feeling.’ Perhaps it’s the realization of God’s abiding grace in our lives. The book of Ephesians tells us that God is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.’ Now that’s a mighty tall order! If you stand back and look at both John 15 and the blessing found in Ephesians, there’s only one conclusion we can make – God’s calling you and me to love with reckless abandon and then step back and watch what happens. Perhaps we can only glimpse at understanding this joy here and now. Maybe it’s your child’s laughter early in the morning, an unbelievable sunset, or a letter from someone you’ve needed to reconcile with for a long time. These moments break through when we least expect them, leaving us awestruck, and with a profound joy!
When I worked downtown D.C., I’d sneak out in the afternoon for a cup of coffee and some fresh air. I’d often find myself singing a hymn of praise without thinking. Now remember, I use a scooter to get around and I have a speech impairment to boot. I’m sure folks thought I was ‘round the bend! Yet in those spontaneous moment, I felt real joy in my faith.
Christ calls you and me to live a joyful life. There is an old hymn I love, the words of which are: This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give and the world can’t take it away!’ Next time you’re out and about, hum that little tune. You just might find that living a joy-filled life is easier than you think. And when we experience these those precious moments let us nurture them in our hearts with Thanksgiving!!