Living With Joyનમૂનો

No Joy Without Abiding

Change is part of life. Friend groups shift. Plans fall through. The things we once thought would make us happy don't always last. But Jesus offers something better.

In this passage, Jesus compares our relationship with him to branches connected to a vine. Just like a branch cannot grow fruit unless it stays connected, we cannot experience real joy unless we stay connected to him.

Jesus actually says, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

Joy comes from abiding. That means spending time with Jesus, trusting him, following his voice, and letting him shape your heart through the work of the Holy Spirit.

When we abide, our joy becomes rooted. It is not based on what is happening around us but on who Jesus is and how deeply we are loved. That kind of joy holds steady even when life does not.

What is one way you can stay more connected to Jesus this week? Try prayer, reading scripture, worship, or simply being still with him.