“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”  –John 15:9-11 ESV

I can’t think of any greater, purer, more complete joy we can experience than the joy of Jesus himself.  He describes this joy as “full.”

Don’t you want that?  Of course you do.

Why in the world would we try “joy substitutes” when the real thing is already planted inside us if we know Jesus?

My joy substitutes range anywhere from money to a Dodger victory. I’ve got several others, too, if I really take inventory.

How about you? Where does your joy come from?

The correct answer is “Jesus,” but don’t give answer unless it’s true for you.

Joy in Jesus is something that ebbs and flows in the life of every believer.  We let joy “substitutes” crowd out our Savior.  That’s why we go from one to another.  These substitutes never last. They don’t satisfy for long.

“…that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

When I hear Jesus saying that to me, I picture joy as a seed waiting to grow.  Jesus’ joy is inside, but it only grows when nourished.

What makes it grow?   Abiding in Jesus’ love, evidenced by our obedience.

For the past year, I begin almost every day by camping one certain verse.  It’s familiar to you, I’m sure: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” –Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV.

I remind myself that if I love God, that’s the most important thing I can do.  I should find myself  evaluating everything I do in light of whether I’m loving God by doing it.

Loving God takes effort.  All my heart, soul and strength!

This love relationship with God isn’t just me loving him.  Jesus died on the cross out of a deep, deep love for me.  God have his only son because he loved the world so much.

The nourishment for joy to grow in our lives is Jesus’ love for us.  This kind of love is rich soil, water and sunlight all rolled into one.  Just as a seed and plant draw on these elements to grow, we need to draw on Christ’s love for joy to grow.

“…that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Isn’t that wonderful?  We show our love for Christ through our obedience while Christ offers his love to us.  His love produces joy in our lives.

Take a look at that growing thing inside you called “joy.”  What is it today? A seed?  A seedling?  A young plant? A thriving tree?

The secret to full joy is abiding in the love of God.

In the quietness of this moment, think about God’s love for you. Here’s a verse to get you started:

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”  –Psalm 86:15 NIV

I can’t think of anything more joyful than experiencing the love of God.  I’m ecstatic about it when I really consider it.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).