Do you know the difference between a geyser and an artesian well? Water flows from both, but only an artesian well delivers a constant stream of refreshment. The geyser and artesian well are metaphors for joy.
Some people are like geysers. Periodically, they will erupt in happiness. The trigger to this surge might be a promotion, a new car in the driveway, a funny movie, the birth of a child, the presence of a special friend, or a vacation. Good feelings come, a smile appears, there is a skip in their step – for a little while – and then the eruption of ecstasy subsides.
Other people are like artesian wells. Their joy flows uninterrupted. Good times come and the joy flows. Times are tough and the joy still flows. It doesn’t matter if the stock market drops, or an injury requires a lengthy convalescing or money is tight or kids are not cooperating or life is hard – the joy just flows.
What is the secret to this irrepressible joy? It is staying connected to the Source of joy. Jesus said,
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:7-11 ESV
God’s joy is an artesian well that flows uninterrupted when I am resting in the person of Christ, dwelling on the words of Christ, and obeying the commands of Christ.
Ok, what does this look like today?
- Rest in the person of Christ by telling Jesus right now and all daytoday that you need him. Pray this again and again: "Lord, I need you more than my money, or skills, or personality, or cleverness. I need you!"
- Dwell on the words of Christ by saying them and by thinking about what it means to do them. Here are his words: "This is my command: Love each other" (John 15:7). What does it look like for you to love people today?
- Obey the command of Christ by loving people in very practical ways. Start right now. Who is first on your list?
May God pour out his artesian well of joy in and through your life today!