Do You Know Joy?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

Sometimes we look at life and see all the uphill battles we have to climb, all the obstacles that somehow wind up in our way. It’s easy to stay focused on them, to forget about all the blessings that can outweigh the bad.

Why?

Because we know how to accept happiness and Joy. It takes no effort to walk through those easy moments in life. But the hard times... Well, our mind doesn’t quite know how to deal with the situation in peace.

Today’s post isn’t about hard times though. I want us to put them aside for just a moment and focus on the fruit of the spirit. Today we are going to evaluate Joy.

Now, I bet you’re thinking. Joy = Happiness, right? I guess in a way it does. If you look at it right. You see, when we think of Joy we think of what makes us smile, laugh, what makes us giddy. And in part you would be right. Here’s the thing... Does that mean that we seek and do the things that bring us happiness even if it's at a cost to God? That if watching the wrong Tv Shows, listening to the wrong music, gambling. If they make us happy should we do it? No!

So let’s separate Joy and Happiness. Let’s really go deep and find out what the word Joy truly stands for. And why it is so important that it is listed in the fruits of the holy spirit.

Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Real Joy is a gift from God. Joy is something that I think we strive for. I often like to think about Paul locked away in his prison cell. He could have written of self pity, or how unjust his life had been. If I was in his shoes, I would have done just that. But what did he do instead? He encouraged the church. He let them know to find love, joy and peace in Jesus Christ. Paul saw the end goal. He knew and found joy in the Kingdom of God, given to those who followed Him. He knew the promises of God and clung to them. He saw his life, his persecution as temporary. He found delight and joy in the Lord. It gets you thinking about the song 'Joy to the World' and what those words are saying. It's saying essentially, show the world your Joy because the Lord came!

Are you showing Joy?

“I will continue to rejoice,” Philippians 1:18

“For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong," (2 Corinthians 12:10).

How wonderful is it to read about this magnificent man of God! If you ever need reminding of temporary, read Paul's life. Read his letters! He will always bring you back to what is really important in our walk.

Oh how I want you to find Joy as you read this today. We are living in a world where people have lost their joy. True Joy in the Lord. They are walking around as if they are carrying the weight of life on their shoulders. They go and spend money on new technology or the latest crazy thing trying to fill this hole they have. We are all guilty of it. We cannot wind down and just be in silence with the Lord anymore. But we need to, not just for ourselves but for others as well. We must be the example, the light that shines for Him.

So what are some things that should bring us Joy…

*Finding a true delight in serving God.

*knowing that no matter what He will bring you happiness in Him.

*Being excited be called His child.

*Seeing others saved.

*Worshipping Him.

You see, Joy is an everlasting feeling, that no matter what comes against you, when you think of God, the Joy in knowing Him should rise up. If you are putting Him first in your life, then Joy should come to the surface in your daily walk. If it isn’t, then sit down and pray with the Holy Spirit. Ask what is it that is blocking you from feeling true joy. We are here for such a short time, I cannot imagine going through life without feeling so elated when I think of our Heavenly Father. When I stand up to sing on a Sunday I am overwhelmed with Joy at what an honour, it is to serve him. To be saved by grace, to inherit the Kingdom of God, because of Jesus!

I pray this post blesses you! Feel free to share with others, and help them find joy in the Lord also, xx