When Abiding Turns into Abounding

Many say they’re “Abiding in Christ,” but can they say they’re “Abounding in Him?”

The difference is joy. Blessed is the believer whose soul is filled with the joy of the Lord.

This is what the prophet Isaiah had in mind when he said,

“Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3).

This was also Jesus’ prayer for all believers. “I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them.” (John 17:13)

Notice something about this prayer. It’s not just any joy, but His joy. And Jesus doesn’t want to give it sparingly, but to overflowing. He wants His joy to be full measure within us.

Jesus says that His joy goes beyond our emotions, and while happiness is found within joy, His joy goes far beyond happiness. Happiness depends upon the surrounding circumstances. We’re happy when everything is good, but we’re sad when it’s not.

But this is not joy. Joy is available despite the circumstances. Consider Jesus’ joy for a moment.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus’ joy was His Father’s will being accomplished, which meant enduring the cruelty of the cross and despising the shame associated with it so we could have eternal life with Him. He saw the end, not the present.

How can we secure such joy for our lives, a joy that doesn’t evaporate at the first sign of affliction, that doesn’t wither under trials and tribulations, and that doesn’t panic when tragedy strikes?

We ask for it.

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)