John 16:23-28…
In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Troubling times call for prayer. Jesus is explaining that when He has left them, they will have access to the Father directly, by praying “in Jesus’ name”. We are to pray to the Father in the name of the Son (Colossians 3:17 / Hebrews 4:14-16).
Praying “in Jesus’ name” is not some meaningless insertion we tack on the end of our prayers to make them spiritually correct. It is also not some magical incantation that makes our prayers have power. It is representative of our being under His authority. We must pray consistent with His character and His will, which is what “in His name” means. When you pray according to His will, you will receive (1 John 5:14-15).
Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. It is a stunning revelation for many to know that His will is for us to be filled with joy. Many things can seem to hide our joy, but Jesus told us that no one can steal it (John 16:22). Indeed, we have something that money can’t buy, poverty can’t lose, and no one can steal. Praying for, receiving, rediscovering, and reveling in the joy of our salvation is wholly consistent with Scripture (Psalm 51:12 / Isaiah 61:10 / Micah 7:7 / Habakkuk 3:17-18 / Luke 1:47 / Romans 5:2-11 / 1 Peter 1:8).
Pray for God to put the big picture of eternity on the front burner of your mind and heart. This is living for today by having an eye for tomorrow. It is about understanding that all Jesus is and all He has done makes it possible for us to have a relationship with God and to be recipients of His love, forever, and for right now.
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