The Living Water Produces Joy.

John 7:37–39 CSB

37 On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” 39 He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Galatians 5:22–25 CSB

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

How many times is the word “Joy” mentioned in the N.T. anyone want to take a guess?

69x

Now sometimes people believe that things like money, important positions, or recognition can bring them joy.

Now I need three volunteers to do an experiment to see if they are right.

I brought with me three Kinder Joy eggs. I mean it says, “ Joy “ right on the package. So I want you all to eat these “joy” eggs and then I will ask you some questions about your experience.

How did it make you feel to first receive the “joy” egg?

How did you feel when you were able to eat it?

Do you think this joy egg was great enough to make you feel happy through tomorrow, next week, and next year?

Happiness comes and goes, but Joy is lasting.

Joy is an attitude of well-being. In other words, it isn’t just being happy it is an understanding that In Christ we have everything we need.

Psalm 23:1 CSB

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.

David is about to tell us a story about his life and he starts it out with

Psalm 23:2–3 CSB

2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Well that sounds pretty good doesn’t it.... but wait there more to the story. This next part sounds pretty scary...

Psalm 23:4–5 CSB

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

How could he have joy during a situation like this?

Going into the darkest valley doesn’t sound like a place for Joy.

How many of you sometimes get worried about the future? What are some things that worry you?

How can we have the joy that is promised to those who are in Christ? Doesn’t the Bible promise streams of living water inside of us that the Holy Spirit produces?

Remember at the beginning we said Joy is.

Joy is an attitude of well-being. In other words, it isn’t just being happy it is an understanding that In Christ we have everything we need.

David remembers that he has everything he needs in God weather life is going great or hard. \

Psalm 23:6 CSB

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

When we remember the goodness of God we have Joy no matter our circumstances.

So when we start to worry or complain we are actually fighting the Joy that God has put in us.

So How does this joy flow from us and bring life and Joy to those around us?

When they see that our joy doesn’t depend on things or circumstances they may become amazed by our God.