Who Do You Listen To?
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” -- John 15:10-11
Where does joy come from? Obviously from God! But how do we cultivate a life of joy and rejoicing? Jesus Christ said “these things have I spoken unto you,” that His joy would remain in the disciples and that it would be full, so we find joy in His Word.
There are dozens and dozens of voices vying for your attention. The television, co-workers, the internet, the radio, family, friends, strangers, books, music, and many other sources are all trying to impart ideas and philosophies into each one of us. The difference in a Christian’s life is who he or she listens to! God is speaking to us through His Word – are you listening? That is the question!
To experience lasting joy (that remains) and full joy (joy to its fullest) requires that we hear the Word of God and do it. Jesus said in Luke 8:21 in response to a statement about who His family was, “ my mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.” The last two phrases found there encapsulate the goal of every believer in Christ: 1) Hear the Word, and 2) do it!
If you want to experience full and lasting joy, be careful who and what you listen to. When you hear the Word of God, and obey it (do it!), you will find joy.
What do I listen to the most every day? What voices are taking the place of the Word of God in my life?
Lord, please give me the conviction to obediently listen to Your Word today so that I can experience the joy promised by the Lord Jesus.
