If we are going to serve with joy through the good and bad of ministry, our Source of joy must be “in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4). Jesus expressed His desire for followers, “that they may have the full measure of my joy within them” (Jn. 17:13). Notice that He wants us to have the FULL measure of HIS joy, not a trickle of it or an occasional flow of it. He also said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it TO THE FULL” (Jn. 10:10).
Reflecting the joy of the Lord amidst all of the stresses, disappointments, and hardships of ministry speaks volumes about our wonderful God who is the Source of such joy. So, here’s the question we should ask as we look at our ministry: Are we reflecting the joy of the Lord, that abundance of life?
Evidence We’re Reflecting the Joy of the Lord in Ministry
Circumstances will not always be ideal in ministry. We will face challenges and complications. Some things will be out of our control. We will often have more to do than our schedules can handle. Despite all of that we will have certain qualities evidenced in our lives when serving out of joy that finds its Source in the Lord.
We will have …
peace regardless of the circumstances that enables us to endure. (Heb. 12:2; James 1:2)
hope regardless of the challenges that enables us to press on. (Rom. 15:13)
gratitude regardless of the complications that enables us to keep loving and believing in Him. (1 Pet. 1:3-9)
contentment that keeps us satisfied due to His love that enables us to have a song in our heart. (Ps. 5:11; 90:13-15)
confidence no matter what that enables us to remain unshaken because we know He is with us. (Ps. 21:6; Acts 2:25-28)
Do you want such joy? Remember that His joy is a fruit of the Spirit. We must constantly yield control to the Spirit (Eph. 5:18-20) and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26) rather than try to do ministry on our own.