7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 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)
I love the series of “if” statements here.
Let me explain this more simply: Jesus promises if we stay connected to him and follow him, we can ask for anything and he will grant it (as long as it aligns with his will). When we follow Jesus, it reflects well on God. This brings glory to God.
But I don't want us to miss this. You see, the word “abide” means conforming to, or obeying, or keeping with. Obeying Jesus requires Jesus’ words to conform our lives. If the words of Jesus do not impact the way we live our lives, then our lives prove that we are not truly his disciples, but disciples of whatever and whoever our lives are being conformed to.
Have you ever thought about your obedience that way? I know I never have. When we obey God’s commands by keeping them, we are actually abiding in Jesus’ love. We obey the words of Jesus because we love him. When our lives are shaped by our love for Jesus, then our lives become full of joy.
Jesus emphasizes how much he loves us, just like God loves him. He wants us to experience this love as well. To experience this love, we need to keep abiding in Jesus, just like he abided in the Father's will. It's like staying connected to a power source to keep a light bulb lit. Ultimately, the purpose of our abiding is for us to be filled with joy. By following Jesus and experiencing his love, we can find true and lasting joy.
Pray you can find God's joy by abiding in Jesus' commands for you today.
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