I’m continuing my series based on the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Each month, I’ll pick a fruit and share a few thoughts and verses about it.
I’m focusing on the fruit of joy this month.
Joy is different than happiness. Happiness usually depends on your circumstances. You get a raise, you plan a trip, you hear good news and you feel happy.
That’s wonderful, but that’s not true joy. As a Christian, you can experience joy even when you’re having a bad day because joy doesn’t depend on your circumstances. Real joy flows from Christ living inside of you.
Because of the Holy Spirit’s beautiful and powerful work inside of you, you can be having a rotten day but still be bursting out in worship. You can be crying, but praising and thanking God anyway.
It’s hard to explain, but you know it when you feel it. Here are a few Bible verses that talk about joy:
- “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
- “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5)
- “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
I don’t want to make light of whatever you may be going through. I would like to remind you that God is good no matter what.
You woke up this morning. You can read this. You have a roof over your head and food on your table. You are blessed! I hope that makes you smile.
You may not see the answer to your prayers yet, but don’t let the enemy steal your joy. Instead of having a pity party, have a praise party!
God loves you! God is with you! God is working things out for your good (Romans 8:28).
Are you feeling joyful yet?
Don’t dwell on what you don’t have or what is going wrong in your life. Look up! God is still on the throne. Amen! Here’s a bonus verse from the apostle Paul, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
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