Is it possible to enter into the joy of the Lord in this life?

Is it only reserved for the moment we enter the eternal kingdom, or can we know it here and now as we walk with Christ?

Do I always have to stumble? Is there victory over sin and oppression in this life?

Colossians 1:11-14

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

 The Apostle Paul here shows that it is possible to life a victorious Christian life. Indeed it is God’s will for us as His sons and daughters, that we should be conforming ourselves to the likeness of His son, Jesus Christ. We are to bear all kind of fruit, in every way. This is not for some believers, but all..! God has given us many gifts, and we are responsible to bring them to fruition by using them for His glory. We can only do this thought the power of the Spirit, teaching us and training us in the wisdom of God and understanding of His perfect Word.

As we are strengthened in The Word, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives become worthy and pleasing to God. Our lives are true, transparent, Christ-like and full of love to other Christians and those who are still lost. God’s strength brings stamina and great patience as we wait for Him to reveal His will, and we respond in thankfulness. This thankfulness is the key element in our Christian lives, both in service and in prayer.

As we walk in these delightful ways, we have a clearer view of the inheritance that is ours, kept for us in the eternal kingdom, which is recognised as one of light, purity and glory. We will share in Christ’s glory, only because of what He has done for us on that cruel cross. The payment of sins was so great- its effects so deep and interwoven in our natures, that only the perfect Son of God could deal with it. This knowledge in the minds and hearts of God’s people is the joyous realisation that we were paid for by Him. He is the reason we are in His kingdom.

We are rescued for the domination of darkness in our lives, and the deadness of our souls. We have been bought out of that kingdom at a tremendous price, by our only Saviour, and have been completely forgiven and made children of the light. God accepts us in Christ, because He is the beloved and the embodiment of the living God.

If this scripture is true, why am I weak and unsteady on my feet? Perhaps we have never entered into the reality of these great truths. Perhaps I am depending on others to teach me and give me strength… There is no strength outside of the Lord Jesus Christ and why would I be satisfied with knowing Him second hand?

The reality in our lives, is that we do not exercise faith. I have faith to believe that Christ has saved me for sin, but the experimental reality of that in my daily life, is unknown to me. Jesus is not a real person. He does not have significance to me personally. I need other things…

The Christian life is nothing without that personal walk with God. It was just a religious event that happened, but it was not all-encompassing and it didn’t last or change my soul. My soul is not alive to God. God’s Word is not necessary to me. I say I love it, but I don’t seek the Lord in it. I am not that desperate to know Him… My prayers are wearisome… a duty, not the breath of my soul…

Yes, I can know joy in this life, but not without the Holy Spirit. I can know some joy, but there is always more. Do I want it? Do I want to be holy?

That is another question…..