The Joy of God in You

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

John 15:10-11 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Sadly, some people see their relationship with God as transactional. “If I choose to follow Jesus, He will make my life better.” Or, “God will reward me when I follow His commands and punish me when I don’t.” But this isn’t the Gospel. 

Your relationship with God ought not be viewed as a transaction. Instead, it ought to be viewed as an opportunity. Jesus was regularly inviting people to follow Him into a way of life that works. He did not say, “Follow my commands, or else!” What He said was, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love…and my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 

Today, consider what it would be like to experience the joy of God within you. Or maybe you don’t need to consider it, and can instead discover the ways you’re already experiencing the joy of God in you. 

READING & PRAYERS:

     JOHN 15:11, ROMANS 15:13 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Are there any ways in which you see your relationship with God as transactional? Confess these areas of your life to God.

DIGGING DEEPER: Jesus is inviting you into a way of life that works. Think of an area of your life which is not working well for you (or others) at this time. What steps may Jesus be inviting you to take — or what may He be inviting you to surrender — so you can more fully begin to experience a way of life that works? 

Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times in which I see my relationship with you as transactional — the times when I expect You to do something for me because of something I’ve done for You. May I grow in recognizing that this isn’t how our relationship works. Instead, You are trying to help me experience a way of life that works. Help me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence.)