3-13 North Point

The Fullness of Joy: His Presence

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” - John 15:11

We live in a consumeristic culture. From the “keep up with the Joneses” mentality, to pickup trucks with bumper stickers that say “he who dies with the most toys, wins,” we have been deluded into thinking that material possessions can bring joy, fulfillment and happiness.

Jesus told the disciples that he desired that His joy would remain in them. This is His presence. A great Messianic prophecy of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection is found in Psalm 16. This Psalm closes with verse 11: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Only His presence leads to fullness of joy.

To truly experience the fullness of joy, we must be in fellowship with the Lord Jesus, with nothing between our souls and the Saviour. This joy cannot be bought or sold; it doesn’t rust or corrode. It is a true treasure (Matt. 6:19-21) that you can never lose!

An accurate bumper sticker is “he who dies with the most toys…dies.” On one’s deathbed, possessions should be the farthest thing from the mind. Our joy can only come through Christ. His presence is the necessary ingredient for us to be joyful.

Have I let material possessions become unduly important to me?
Have I actively sought to be in Christ’s presence, to let Him be the source and object of my joy?