… full of joy …
They came to John (the Baptist) and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.“ John 3:26-30
Lord Jesus, I don’t care for a wardrobe of camel-hair clothing, and a diet of locusts and wild honey isn’t very appealing (Matt. 3:4). But I’d love more of John the Baptist’s joy—the joy of hearing your voice—the joy of your increase and my decrease. Even in his mother’s womb, John leapt for joy before you (Luke 1:39-41). I want to be that free, glad, and peace-full in your presence.
Then, like John, I’d be quicker to make much of you, and less of me. I’d serve more and whine less, encourage more and criticize less, give more and self-protect less. I’d accept that you, my Lord, give and take away (Job 1:21)—believing that both come as sovereign appointments from a throne of grace.
Such joy would free me for a life of contentment—because it’s anchored in you, not determined by people, possessions, or politics. I’d be quicker to love others as you love them, not as I want them to be. I’d savor the riches of grace more, and rehearse my disappointments less. I’d be smitten with your affection, and barely impacted by criticisms, digs, and slights.
Such joy would enable me to be present in the moment, and less preoccupied with the next thing. Make it so, Jesus; make it so. Refresh and supersize my joy in you. So very Amen I pray, in your mercy-full and mighty name.