John 15:11 Joy is Required

John 15:11 ¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you that the joy that is mine may be in you, and your joy may be made full.   [translation mines]

A long time ago, early in my Christian life, I read a book called They Found the Secret.  It told the stories of about 15 famous Christians and what was the secret to their success as a Christian, if I may use that word.

One very interesting thing about that book was that everybody had a different answer.  Nobody gave or had an answer that had to be replicated in everyone else’s life. 

Yet it was the same.  Call it by whatever name you want to call it: conformed to the image of Christ, full surrender, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the deeper life, there are others.

Four years ago, my life hit complete bottom.  Not because I got cancer, though it was while I had cancer.  That wasn’t really even a factor except that it forced me to quit work.  And that wasn’t the reason either.

What these things did do was essentially force me to look back on my life, and that was what did it.

Words could not express my disappointment in God.  I couldn’t even talk to Him above the bare minimum.

Very slowly He began to put me back together.  One thing at a time.  I should have kept notes, though I’m not sure the disciples kept notes when they met Jesus, thinking that they were going to have to write the gospels later.

The latest piece in the puzzle, which may not be the best word to use here, but it’s 4:30 in the morning, is the word ‘joy.’

In a sense, it is a choice, an act of faith, a bold, courageous surrender to God.  I don’t know if it’s something you can just decide to do.  I couldn’t.  Twenty years ago, I tried.  It’s a long story, I can send it to you if you want, but it didn’t work.  Completely.  Or it didn’t last. 

Maybe you have to be completely broken first.  I don’t know.  It’s all very new to me.  I’ll keep you posted.