Christians are not to be without joy and fulfillment. The purpose of following Jesus is more than an 'escape clause' to avoid eternal punishment in hell. If that is your only motivation, you are missing the wonders associated with abiding in Christ.
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1 John 1:3-4
You will not experience the joy of your salvation if your life is marked by 'walking on eggshells' before God ... as if Calvary's cross was not payment enough to set you free. If you've surrendered your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, why do you insist on carrying the burden of past sins with all its guilt and shame?
His invitation stands ... Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
He redeemed you for a purpose ... I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Trees are frequently mentioned in the Bible as a metaphor for that abundant life.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jeremiah 17:8
To be seen this way, the Lord's regular supply of nourishment and refreshment must be evident in your life. When you delight in and meditate upon the Word of God you will be firmly rooted in good soil and bear much fruit. Its message reassures you of your 'right standing' before the Lord, that you might be filled with joy unspeakable.
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:12-14
Paul's benediction to the Ephesians is for you also ...
I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19
David C. Egner - God desires to give us a marvelous beginning with salvation and a great ending in Glory ... with much in between.
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