That’s what I want.

Not pleasure necessarily. Not fun necessarily. Not happiness necessarily.

Joy. Whatever all that is, I want it.

But so many things get in the way of it. So many things go wrong in life. So many problems. So many disappointments.

But I can ask for it. And receive it.

“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).

When I pray about the things going wrong, He can give me joy.

When I pray regarding the problems and disappointments, He can give me joy.

When I pray for those whom I love, He can give me joy.

That’s what I want; that’s what I need.

Most of the time, what I write here is focused on a single verse and concept. Like a rifle bullet.

Today, I’m firing a shotgun instead, dispensing a bunch of pellets from John 15 instead of a single bullet.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” (1).

“Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away…” (2).

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (3).

“…As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself…no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (4).

“…He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (5).

“…Bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (8).

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (11).

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…” (16).

“…Ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world…” (19).