The Lord is joyful, and He desires to bless us and share His joy with us. He also has provided avenues for us to increase and maximize our joy. We can be Joyful when we have answered prayers, live at peace with others, and give of ourselves to others.
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16: 24
In Jesus’ final teachings, He told His disciples that they can begin asking for the things they need in His name. Up to this point, they had seen Jesus pray to the Father, but they may not have found much need for prayer since Jesus walked with them. Now that Jesus was about to leave, He showed them how to communicate with God and receive what they needed. Their answered prayers would add to their joy reminding them of God’s love and care towards them.
We have a tendency to have a long list of prayer requests that hardly diminishes, and we ritualistically pray about them. This takes away the opportunity for us to be thankful for answered prayers. There are many prayers that God has already answered in our lives. We should praise God for His provision in those areas.
When our prayers are heartfelt, they open the door for God to intervene. When He answers those prayers, it fills our hearts with great joy and peace knowing that Abba Father has heard our prayers and has come through for us. That’s a moment of celebration!
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Philippians 2: 1-2
Living at peace with other people adds joy and peace to our lives. Quarrel, disagreement, and disunity steal our joy and leave us burdened and miserable. When we make the effort to reconcile with others, lay down our opinions, and forgive offenses, we get lighter in our spirit and see the joy of the Lord return to our hearts. This doesn’t mean that all of issues with people are resolved, but we do our part to live at peace with them. We take ownership of the part that belongs to us, and we trust that God is at work in the situation and in people’s hearts.
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?For you are our glory and joy. 1Thessalonians 2:19-20
Paul, as a spiritual parent, was excited and thankful for his spiritual children. Even in his hardships, he was joyful about the ones he had ministered to.
When we invest time, love, and prayer in others’ lives, it gives us great joy to see them grow and mature in God. It is a blessing to be selfless and to give to others. The Lord wants us to enjoy the fruit of our labor and the opportunity to selflessly give of ourselves to others.
Let’s thank the Lord for the answered prayers and take a moment to enjoy them before offering new requests. Think about how God has used you to bless others recently and enjoy being a giver and a reconciler. May your day be full of joy!
