Fruit of the Spirit - Joy

Galations 5: 22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

James 1:2-4 (New International Version)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

John 15:11 (New International Version)
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (New International Version)
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 (New International Version)
Be joyful always;

Fundamental question, what is Joy?

Whatever Joy is, it is something much deeper and long lasting than mere happiness or pleasure. And while joy often occurs in special times of great excitement, it can also occur during or after some of our darkest moments. Joy is the emotion we feel every time we experience the greatness of God. So, we can feel great joy when we experience something great, like the birth of a child, because we know God is there, or when we experience some trial or difficulty, because we know God will come along and help us through that trial.

Joy and happiness are not interchangeable. I mentioned that in a note sometime back. Happiness is a man made emotion. It is fleeting. Joy is what we experience by knowing that God, through the Holy Spirit, is with us always, in good times and in bad. God often times uses negatives in our life to improve us. He uses hard things to make us grow and mature in Him, turning a negative into something great. And in turn there is great joy in knowing that.

How many times have you seen someone who suffered a loss or a disability, who did not dwell on that negative, but who rejoiced in the fact that God had given them an opportunity to use that negative, turning their life into something great. They then use that to further the glory of God. God's greatness showing up in the worst!!

We can have Joy through our tears, through financial hardships, problems with our children, health problems. How? Because it is at those times when God is at his best, when he is showing us his greatness and we see it most easily.

Christmas is the time we use the word Joy the most. "Joy to the world, the Lord has come" That is it folks, when we understand that, we can have joy in all circumstances.

There are things you can do to have joy in your life:
1. Invite God into your life and your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with the fruit of the Spirit. We can't see the greatness of God unless he is living within us.

Hebrews 12:2 (New International Version)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2. Intentionally look for greatness of God moments. Don't miss them. Stop, look around and look for the greatness of God and joy will follow.

Deuteronomy 10:17 (New International Version)
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

3. Ask God to show you his greatness in the hard times.

Romans 15:13 (New International Version)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Prayer:
Lord, thank you for allowing me to experience the true joy of knowing you will always be right here with me, in both the great times and in those times of trial. My life was joyless before knowing you and I am so grateful to find pure joy in your love. You are an awesome God and my heart is full with joy in the Holy Spirit. I am so blessed, even though my circumstances are not the greatest. I know you will be right here to see me through it all and to love, comfort and support me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Amen