John Steinbeck’s epic novel The Grapes of Wrath focuses on a family forced from their home by drought, economic hardship, climate changes and bank foreclosures – all part of The Great Depression. The Joads family traveled, along with thousands of others, to California in search of jobs, dignity and a future.

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:11

Today, many people are living in great depressions of their own. They’re under the pressure of economic hardship. In the last half-dozen years, the nation experienced a plethora of bank foreclosures, and now drought persists in California and climate change threatens everyone. They could easily reap a harvest of wrath. But Jesus says if you abide in Him as branches to a vine, the fruit you bear will include dignity, a future and joy. Imagine being a branch in His vineyard, overladened with abundant grapes of joy!

Draw close to the presence of God in your life today…and every day. Spend time in His Word. Live a life of obedience and prayer. Intercede for others, from the far reaches of government to your nearest neighbor, to find the Source of their own grapes of joy.

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-11