Joy is a product of salvation. David prayed in Psalm 51 verse 12 "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation".
Romans 14:17 states that "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost".
It is clear from these scriptures that joy should be evident in our lives as Christians. The joy of salvation! What a glorious joy we should be experiencing on a daily basis, living for God and His kingdom.
However, as much as this should be our experience, it?s not the experience of many. While there may be several reasons for this, I would like to bring our attention a few reasons why we may not be experiencing as much joy as we should in our walk with the Lord.
Jesus taught in John 15: 1-11 a number of things. The conclusion of which John 15:11 states "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full".
So lets look at the things that He said in some of the previous verses and examine what will cause His joy to remain in us and the joy to be full.
What kind of fruit are we talking about? Are you bearing fruit for the kingdom of God? Are you using your gifts and talents for His kingdom? Are you living your life for His glory or are you living for yourself?
One day we will all give account to Him for what He has invested in us. Are you a true witness, are you growing in the fruit of the spirit, or are you so earth and flesh bound, that no one knows you are a Christian?
Galatians 5:22-23 (King James Version)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law".
Ephesians 5:9 (King James Version)
"For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth".
What frustration trying to do things without abiding in Him? The message is clear, for without Him you can do nothing. We have to stay and live in Him 24hrs a day. Our song and focus should be "For in him we live, and move, and have our being". Acts 17:28
If we are doing our own thing, have no time to read the bible, no time to pray, no time to fellowship with Him, how are we going to abide in Him?
We need to not only be hearers of the word of God but doers of the word to live a joyful life.
These things have I spoken unto you, (bearing fruit, abiding in me and keeping my word) that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
So above are a few things we need to do if we want his joy to remain in us and the joy to be full.
Lets judge ourselves on these things. The Lord is gracious and ever ready to help us live a joyful and victorious Christian life.