Happy weekend everyone! I’m really excited for this weekend, because tomorrow my family and I are leaving to go on a fun, little vacation to Northern Arizona. Lots of things to do today to prepare (because I’m a procrastinator), but it’ll be a fun few days away from home and time for us to spend together and grow together.
Let’s talk some more about joy though. This trip gives me joy, but it’s only for a few days. While I’m sure there will be memories that my family and myself share forever, it is fleeting joy. When we return my wife and I go back to work, the kids come back to their normal summer routine, etc. It’s momentary joy. It’s not a sustaining joy. That joy is found only in God. That joy is in the passion of my salvation thanks to Jesus, the joy before me to continue battling the flesh, and the joy of knowing God has won the battle and I’m forever with Him.
Some ways I stay in the battle with God (alongside, not against) is trying to be present with the Holy Spirit. I’ve spent this morning singing (see attached songs), filling my mind with praise to God, and reading. In the book of John, chapter 15, Jesus spoke about He being the true vine, and we are the branches. He was speaking about remaining in Him, bearing fruit, and keeping His commandments. Then he finished by saying, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:11)
Things like this upcoming family trip give me joy, but is that full joy? It can’t be, because Jesus says that in order for us to have FULL joy, we need God’s joy in us. The rest is just partial joys of our flesh. We can’t have God’s joy in us when we’re looking for that joy apart from Him. Seeking God, abiding in God, obeying God is how we find full joy!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Lord, give us hearts to seek You. We love You, praise You, and thank You for Your goodness. Your love is present in everything You created around us, and help us to appreciate it and see it. Thank You for the life only You give, the miracles only You work. Thank You oh God, for loving us and when we desire and dwell in Your presence, that Your joy fills us and overfills us! Give us passion to share that gift of joy with those around us. I pray for my friends this weekend that you keep them safe as they go about their lives and jobs. I pray for their hearts and souls to be filled with Your joy. I love You, Jesus.
Born In His Image 
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