August 19, 2026
Dear Church of the Open Bible,
How have you changed over the years? What has it looked like? I’m sure there have been major moments that have initiated change, whether a new job, marriage, or the birth of a child. Or it could be a difficult circumstance like a diagnosis, divorce, or death. I can point to a few of these “earth-shaking” moments in my own life, and while they usually result in changing me, that isn’t the typical way I’ve experienced change. The majority of the change I’ve experienced has been slow and steady over the long haul.
One of these slow changes has been in recognizing the value of God-given joy. Like gentleness, joy is a fruit of the Spirit that I didn’t think much of when I was younger. Maybe I associated it too closely with happiness. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve begun to see the miraculous power of joy. You catch glimpses of it in talking with others, maybe in praying together or drinking coffee together. Often it’s more noticeable during suffering. But God-given joy is so otherworldly it’s hard not to want it when you see it.
This was what Jesus wanted for His disciples. After describing their need to abide in Him through prayer and obedience, He tells them the goal of Him sharing this with them.
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11
This is the result of someone abiding in Christ. This is the result of someone experiencing Him in prayer and striving to obey Him. Not dread but delight. Not woe but wonder. Joy like this is a miracle and it is so different from anything else the world can offer.
So in your pursuit of God, ask Him for His joy. Ask Him to give you joy in the tasks He puts before you today. Ask Him for joy in the conversations you have with people today. Ask Him for joy as you seek to obey His will and put sin to death. May Christ’s joy be in you, and may your joy be full!
In Him,
Pastor Jeremy