Jesus said, I have told you this, so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

This is Max Licato. The joy Jesus offers is unlike the one promised at the car dealership or the shopping mall.

It's not a joy that depends upon circumstance. Peter spoke of this joy.

Though now you do not see him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

Peter was writing to persecuted Christians.

Adversaries took their rights, property, and possessions, but no one could take their

Jesus. No one could take their joy. Courageously joyful people have tethered their hearts to the

foundation of God. Is that to say your life will be storm free? Is that to say no sorrow will come

your way? No. But that is to say your sorrow will not last

forever.