This blog was originally founded on a concept near and dear to my heart: Simply Joyful. The idea was that when we have faith in Jesus Christ and have a deep relationship with Him, we are “simply joyful” beyond our human understanding. This joy is not based on earthly circumstances or actions, but on the eternal fact that I am a child of The King (Galatians 3:26, Romans 8:17), made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and saved by the grace of the Father (Ephesians 2:8). Joy is founded in the never-changing, triune God and the identity I have permanently in Him, not in the inevitable ups and downs of life. These statements are all full of truth and are absolutely a transformational part of understanding JOY. However, there is a key part of experiencing this joy that I have missed. In fact, I never even connected it as a part of joy…until the other day when I was reading through John 15.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:7-11, ESV

Did you catch what it said there? We have joy by abiding in God’s love. But how do we abide in His love? By keeping his commandments! Therefore: We receive FULLNESS OF JOY when we keep His commandments. We have Christ’s joy in us when we are obedient. Yes, there is an outstanding joy as a believer when we have Christ Jesus in our life, but there is a fullness of joy when we experience discipleship and obey God in the everyday. This experience starts with the Holy Spirit working in our hearts, convicting us, and leading us to make Godly decisions. And when we choose to act on those impulses from the Divine Helper, we experience JOY!!

That is VERY good news, friends! In our day and age, obedience is viewed as a negative. Our society tells us that having to obey means we are less than, subordinate, or inferior. We are not in power, and therefore we are unworthy. However, Jesus tells us that allegiance to the Father brings joy. It is not easy or smooth sailing, but it does end with a replenished soul and a rejuvenated heart. Fulfilling the work of His Kingdom shows us our human purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and doing what we were created for brings fulfillment and JOY.

This news brought a new meaning to my blog. Not only am I simply joyful in view of eternity with my Heavenly Father. But I am also Joyfully His because I am following His plan and trusting Him in obedience. To obey, even when I do not understand, is the only logical conclusion because his plan is so much better than mine. I can rest in the fact that despite my lack of knowledge, he is sovereign and wants the best for his followers.

I hope this gives you some insight on the importance of obedience in the Christian life and that you will stick around to learn more with me.

 

Disclaimer: This blog is founded on the concept of always being Joyfully His and living loved by a perfect God. However, this does not take away from the fact that I am a human being. I constantly fail to recognize His perfect love and the joy that comes from obedience. But BY HIS AMAZING GRACE, He draws me back to Him so that I can proclaim the truth of the Gospel and encourage you to be joyfully His NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. 

-From your imperfect blogger: Megan