“I have told you this so that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).
There is a joy that arises spontaneously in the heart, without any external or even rational cause. It is like an artesian well that flows effortlessly, an inexhaustible fountain that springs from the deepest part of the soul. The heart rejoices because it cannot help it. This is the glory of God; it is the heart of Christ.
This joy is manifested when the Father leads us to the Son, for we have decided to be faithful to our God, choosing to obey His mighty commandments despite all obstacles. It is the joy of Christ that no one can take from us. Those who possess this fountain are not discouraged by the circumstances around them; on the contrary, they are often surprised by a deep and sweet joy that arises without any apparent explanation.
And the most wonderful thing is that this joy becomes even more intense precisely in the moments when everything in our condition and circumstances seems to conspire to fill us with suffering and depression. It is a divine gift, the fruit of obedience and communion with God. This joy transcends the natural and lifts us up, reminding us that our strength and peace come from the Lord, who is faithful and never abandons us. -Adapted from A. B. Simpson. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, I thank You for the divine joy that springs from the deepest part of the soul, a fountain that nothing can dry up or steal. I recognize that this joy comes from You, the fruit of communion and obedience to Your mighty commandments. Teach me, Lord, to seek this complete joy, which transcends every circumstance and sustains me in the most difficult moments.
My Father, today I ask You to fill my heart with this joy that Christ promised. May it be that, even in the midst of obstacles or trials, my faith and faithfulness to You are the source of this unexplainable peace. Help me to remember that when I choose to obey and trust You, You lead me to the Son, and His joy becomes my strength and comfort.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore and praise You for being the inexhaustible source of this joy that the world cannot give or take away. Thank You for reminding me that in You I find strength, peace, and hope, even when everything around me seems to conspire against me. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law surrounds me with security. To me, Your commandments are precious jewels. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
