Joy and Vines

Grape vines bring 'supposed' joy to many people- at least after fermentation and some years in a cellar. But joy is more than an occassional outward display of emotion or a drunken, happy shout. It is a continual, inward sense of peace, contentment, happiness in the heart and soul- coming from our relationship with God, not any circumstances impacting our life as such- and this sense of joy then translates to a life of smiles and praise.

In John 15, Jesus teaches about how His is the vine, and through grace we are grafted into Him as branches. But with privilege comes responsibility- we must bear good fruit or else we will be cut off. Abiding in Christ doesn't mean living a life of simple pleasures and feeding off His riches only to bear rotten grapes, or no fruit at all. In verse 11, Christ teaches "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full". We receive our joy from God, and He also desires our rejoicing. We can have fullness of joy in the knowledge that Christ is our source of life, so long as we fruitfully keep His commandments.

The Psalms teach a lot about our reason for joy:
Ps 5:11- because God defends those who trust in Him
Ps 16:11- joy and pleasure is found at God's right hand
Ps 19:8- the heart receives joy from God's statutes
Ps 28:7- a trusting heart receives joy because our helping God is a strength and shield
Ps 33:4- shout for joy because God's word is truth, righteousness, just and good
And there is so much more.
Even when times are tough, God provides joy (Ps 30:5). Fullness of joy means that even through adversity, when we have a consistent relationship with Christ, we will manage. We can receive continual strength from Him, no matter our circumstances.
We may rejoice in the wonderful characteristics of our triune God. We may have inward peace in the comfort He gives; happy hearts in the riches He imparts; a strong confidence in the care He shows; a thankful countenance doing His commandments out of thankfulness for the blessings He bestows.

As branches grafted into the true vine, there is no reason for being bare or taking our time to ferment in darkness. We must continue to joyfully bear fruit in the assurance and joy He gives to us, living joyful lives in His service.