Reaping Joy
0:00:00 - Atmosphere prayer
0:53:11 - Talk
1:36:36 - Breakout groups
EXPERIENTAL JOY
I am so proud of you. Let Me encourage you wherever you need it. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and your joy may be mature.” (John 15:11)
The Kingdom delights in you eternally. But where on earth is this? Where can we find more?
Remember that in any area where you are left to your own devices, you will never find authentic, lasting happiness. Material possessions by themselves will leave you thirsting. But trusting Me above all else will reveal the hidden, richer gladness I want for you in any and all of these things. Joy is certainly not limited to the pleasures of temporal existence.
My love for you saturates every situation—even in the midst of life’s trials. I will never disappoint, abandon, ignore, ridicule, deceive, or hurt you—ever. That’s a lot to rejoice in.
Even when you navigate suffering, I say, “count it all joy” (James 1:2), since managing these larger challenges together involves experiencing My depths. They can be transports to deeper communion—not merely in lectures, nor in taking another’s word for it.
This life is the story of you and I revealing our intimacy on earth as it is in Heaven, crafting it by whatever plot path necessary.
So do not lose sight of My smile by getting caught up in earthly gain. The path of life is strewn with My presence, and with it, the fullness of joy.
It is always you that I want. We can have more of that kind of loving relationship, more intimate than any earthly one. Face-to-face trust is key to the next heavenly pleasure.
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“In your presence is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11