JO 1:4{Never in His Word are we told anything contradicting or explaining away this precious and reiterated promise. All through we are brightly pointed not merely to hope of permanent joy, but an increase of joy. "The meek shall increase [not merely shall keep up] their joy in the Lord." There are mingled promises and commands as to growth and increase in grace, knowledge, love, strength and peace, and does not increase of these imply and insure joy? It is suggested that we cannot expect to be always joyful, but it is written, "Rejoice in the Lord [not 'sometimes,' but] alway." "As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing." When we are told that it would not even be good for us, remember that it is written again, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Perhaps in that word "of" lies the whole secret of lasting joy, for it is even more than joy in the Lord; it is His own joy flowing into the soul that is joined to Himself which alone can remain in us, not even our joy in Him. "That they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves." Let us, then, seek not the stream but the fountain; not primarily the joy but that real and living union with Jesus by which His joy becomes ours.
Thy love, Thy Joy, Thy peace,
Continuously impart
Unto my heart;
Fresh springs, that never cease,
But still increase,