The House That Joy Built

Scripture

I have told you these things that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11

Observation

This phrase Jesus uses to describe the overflowing joy of the one who abides in Him is an amazing promise. It paints the picture of a well furnished house that belongs you. To abide in Jesus is to “make your home in” Jesus. He is saying that when we make our home in Him- Jesus every day all day He not only builds a home for us, but he furnishes it and then hands us the title deed that no one can take away- it “remains” with us when we remain in Him. It’s not just filling, it’s also finishing. Jesus is foreshadowing His statement from the Cross- “It is finished.” It’s a work that He starts and completes on our behalf. He doesn’t hand us a house halfway constructed. Nothing is left wanting when we want a relationship with Him above everything else. Jesus knew His disciples would need this promise to hold on to in the dark days ahead leading to The Cross. It wasn’t happiness that He was promising for that is a fleeting emotion based on circumstances. And He knew happiness would be hard to find. No, this joy is a fruit of The Spirit, a fruit that cannot be stolen for those who stay connected to the Vine at all times. This joy is filling, this joy is finishing and this joy is also about finding. Jesus follows up this promise of a Joy-Full life with this: “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” (Jn. 15:12) The House that Joy Built was always meant to be “full” or “crammed”, as the Greek says here, to overflowing with people looking for shelter in a cold, cruel world.

Application

There’s a lot of people who who hear the phrase “Merry Christmas” and cringe. Not because they are Scrooges but because their hearts are wounded. For many there’s nothing “merry”, “happy”, or “joyful” about the Holiday season. For some it reminds them of painful past experiences as a child where the brokenness in their home shattered under the weight of Christmas expectations. For some its salt in the wound in a year when nothing has gone right and now when everyone is supposed to be together they find themselves alone in an empty house. Due to COVID precautions many are spending Christmas alone this year. It doesn’t matter how many decorations we put up or how many presents are under the tree, the truth is what we all really want for Christmas is to be with those we love. Many aren’t enjoying Christmas as much as they are enduring it. Isolation turns to insulation which turns to desperation leading to escapes in addiction that only bring destruction. None of us are immune from sadness and sorrow but all of us have given a key to the House That Joy Built. His name is Jesus and He is declaring that though we may feel lonely we are not alone. Though we may not be feeling the “Christmas spirit” He wants to fill us with the Holy Spirit. Though we may not have everything we want in Him we have everything we need. There’s a reason the great announcement from the angels to the shepherds of the Messiah’s birth included a promise of joy: “They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior- yes, the Messiah, the Lord- has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:9-11). What the angels promised Jesus provided- A joy that is filling, finishing and finding each one who seeks Him this Christmas. This is The House That Joy Built and all are welcome in!

Prayer

Thank You Jesus for bringing a joy that cannot be taken. The enemy can’t have my joy, but I can hand it over. I refuse to hand the enemy the keys to The House That Joy Built. No matter how my plans may fall apart, no matter how hard things may get, no matter how overwhelmed I may feel I choose to live in joy! I choose to abide in You.