If You Want Joy

Jesus is interested in you and if your life and days are meaningful. Why? He designed us to bear fruit. In John 15:1-2, Jesus explains how our lives can be fruitful if we live in a close relationship with Him. “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”

Why does God prune the dead, fruitless branches and eagerly watch to see if we begin bearing fruit? A fruitful life brings us joy and Him glory. I didn’t understand that until I planted a garden several years ago. Then I understood the joy of seeing a branch bear a flower and then fruit.

God is our vinedresser. He watches us every day and prunes from us that which is unproductive so we bear glorious fruit. Without a doubt, the apple, peach, or tomato that reaches peak ripeness is the most flavorful and delicious.

If we sometimes feel the pressure of the Father’s pruning shears on us, it’s proof that He loves us and is present in our life. Rather than resist the ways He is pruning you, be glad that He cares about you. Yield to His touch. You’ll bear more fruit and experience more joy.