God's Glory Church

“I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full!” —John 15:11

“Move at the speed of joy.” This phrase came to me one morning as I was prayerfully considering the coming year, and it seemed apt. I had a tendency to work myself into exhaustion, so I decided to work at a pleasant pace for the coming year, making room for friends and joyful pursuits.

This plan worked… until March! That’s when I partnered with the university to oversee course testing. I needed to recruit students and teach. So, I started working overtime to keep up with the schedule. How could I now move with the speed of joy?

Jesus promises joy to those who believe in Him, because it comes through staying in His love (John 15:9) and prayer (John 16:24). “I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn. 15:11). This joy comes as a gift through His Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25). I realized that I could only maintain joy in my busyness when I spent time each evening in quiet, trusting prayer.

Because joy is so important, we must prioritize it in our schedule. At the same time, life is never completely under our control, so I am glad that we have another source of joy available to us – the Spirit. For me, walking at the speed of joy now means moving at the speed of prayer, that is, finding time to receive joy from its Giver.

What is clouding your joy? How will you rest today in the presence of the Giver of joy?

Holy Spirit, please fill me with Your love, peace and joy.

Author: Sheridan Voysey