John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full.

Joy is mentioned twice. Yeshua never speaks without a purpose. He is teaching us the principles of the kingdom of heaven (His kingdom) for a purpose, and that purpose has a lot to do with “JOY.” Yeshua is expressing His purpose in speaking words of wisdom. His purpose has a “double whammy.” “So that” His joy would be in us and our joy will be full.

But what is joy? The world wants us to confuse joy with happiness (There are other synonyms that are not joy itself.) Happiness is external (some external stimulus made you happy), while joy is internal, and because it is from within, it lasts. Joy is, well … I’m having trouble putting it into words.

Rabbi Trail: It’s like describing “grits.” You know what they are, but you’ve never seen one. The best description of grits is, “grits are just grits.” End RT.

Joy is the delight at being close to Yeshua that overcomes any circumstance. It is frequently mentioned in Scripture with another fruit of the Spirit, peace. The salvation of Israel is described as an occasion for joy. Psalm 14:7 O may He give Israel’s salvation out of Zion! When Adonai restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad!

Think about these things today. I’m going to write more about it next time.