Day 5: Complete Joy

“That joy is mine, and it is now complete.”
John 3:29 NIV

Preparing the heart

As we begin our time of prayer & fasting, let us allow the words of 1 Thess 5:16-18 to speak to you:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Take time to pause right now.
Do not hurry.
Breathe slowly.
Let the words speak to you.

What does 1 Thess 5:16-18 teach you about joy? How would you apply it right now?

—

Dear God, nais kong mamalas ka sa mga sandaling ito. I long for you. I need you. I desire to meet You! Tulungan mo ako na mag-focus sa Iyo lamang. Mangusap ka sa akin oh God. Maging personal ka sa akin oh Lord. Bless me oh Lord with Your powerful and sweet presence.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Time of reflection

We have been learning from the example of John the Baptist  about what it means for Christ to increase and the self to decrease. Such a process implies facing challenges that require relinquishing ownership & control and a secure identity in Christ. Pero bukod sa rito, pinakita rin ni John the Baptist ang kahalagahan na matukoy natin kung ano ang nagbibigay sa atin ng tunay na kaligayahan.

Nang makita ng mga followers ni John the Baptist na nagiging popular na si Jesus Christ, ikinalungkot nila ito. It saddened them that John the Baptist was losing his influence, popularity and some followers. John the Baptist however felt differently about this. Instead of being discouraged by what he was losing- he was in fact glad about it. Why? Dahil nakikita na nya ang katuparan ng calling nya; he was called to make Jesus become greater even as it required that he become less. This was John the Baptist’s goal and joy. His joy was not based upon his influence or the number of followers that he had. Kaya nang mawala ang mga ito sa kanya- nakakamangha na joy instead of sorrow and kanyang naramdaman. 

The joy is his, John the Baptist says, “and is now complete.” His joy is complete despite losing his popularity, even losing a number of followers. His joy is complete even though sa tingin ng iba, he was fading into obscurity. His joy is complete- even if it meant may mga bagay na nawala sa kaniya. 

The joy that John the Baptist spoke about is found only in Jesus Christ. It is unlike the joy that this world brings; a joy that is temporary and short-lived. Jesus Christ himself promised this joy to those who would believe and follow him. Speaking to his disciples, Jesus says; “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” [John 15:11]. Only Jesus can give you this joy, and He promises that this joy shall abide in you as long as you remain in him.

Pause & reflect

Do you have that joy? A joy that is complete? What makes you truly happy? Tulad ba ng tinitingnan ng mga followers ni John the Baptist; popularity and number of followers- pero siguro sa iyong social media accounts? Perhaps what gives you joy are the material things of this world? Paano na kung mabawasan o mawala iyon? 

Do you want that complete joy that John the Baptist had? You can have it if you ask for it in Jesus name. Jesus said: “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” [John 16:24]

Pray

Is there someone you know that needs to know this joy from Christ? Pray for that person right now.

Pray for the persecuted Christians all over the world. Pray for God to sustain them with the joy from Jesus in the midst of the challenges that they are facing.

Lastly, pray a prayer of thanksgiving. As 1 Thess 5:16-18 declares; “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer of commitment

Dear Lord, tulungan mo ako na maisabuhay ang mga bagay na ni-reveal mo sa akin. Gawin mong katotohanan sa aking buhay ang mga bagay na aking natutunan. Empower me oh Lord, that Jesus in me may increase as I decrease.

Amen.

Our Prayer for You

As we close our 5 days of prayer & fasting, may the words of Romans 15:13 be fulfilled in your life. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.