“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23
Have you ever gone into a restaurant and looked around and noticed how many people are actually laughing and really enjoying the moment? You’ll be surprised at what you see. In this day and time, more than ever before, we need to be people of joy! Everyone loves to laugh. Our joy can be a powerful and awesome witness, providing us with strength to uplift others around us who maybe feeling weak and weary (Neh 8:10).
The world needs to see that there’s another way to supernaturally respond to all the chaos and confusion that exist in society today. The joy of the Lord is not dependant on the circumstances in our lives. A good example of this is seen with our brother Paul in the New Testament. He wrote the books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon while in prison. In Philippians, it is undeniable that Paul was full of joy even while in prison. In this book, he speaks of joy or rejoicing 17 times (Luke 6:45). How could Paul be so joyous in such unpleasant situations? First of all, He did not allow his present conditions to dictate his actions or his attitude (Phil 4:8). He kept his eyes on Jesus and not his circumstances (Heb 12:2). By keeping his eyes on Jesus and not on himself, he could clearly see that he further advanced the gospel. His situation inspired others to boldly preach the good news of Jesus Christ, regardless of the cost (Phil 1:12-14). Paul knew what God had done for him, what God wanted for him, and what God needed him to do (Phil 3:13-15). The second verse in Hebrews 12 goes on to say that even Jesus had joy on his mind while He endured the cross. Awesome!
The word fruit denotes product or results. One translation states the “fruit of the Spirit” is the work which His presence within accomplishes. The Lord tells us that when we abide with Him, take up residence, hang out, or kick it with Him, we will bring forth much fruit (John 15:5). Another definition refers to fruit as the “pull of the Holy Spirit.” When faced with difficult times that seek to steal our joy, there’s an automatic pull or demand on the supply of the Holy Spirit within to comfort and encourage us (John 14:16-18). If your joy level is not full, it will change as you continue to commune, fellowship, and converse with God (John 16:24). There will be a supernatural exchange and transformation.
Got joy? If your answer is no, then your next step is to get in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 16:11). Being thankful played a great big part of Paul’s joy. Paul was thanking the church of Philippi for what they had done on his behalf. Do you have people who love you? Be thankful! Has anyone ever blessed you in any way? Be thankful! Are you alive? Be thankful! Are you saved? My friend be thankful! By the time you keep giving God thanks and praise, you will definitely experience His presence (Psalm 22:3; 140:13). Once you experience His presence, His joy will begin to spring up in your heart despite your situation (Psalm 16:11).
Prayer:
“Father, greater are You that is in me than he that is in this world. Today I overcome by the word of my testimony. I confess that Your joy gives me strength and even uplifts others who see that joy. Help me to keep my eyes on You so that no situation will ever steal my joy. I will stay full of Your joy giving thanks in everything. I want You as the center of my joy. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen!”
