Joy – Another Fruit of the Spirit (Part 1)
To explore the fruit of the Spirit – Joy, will take a few questions to be considered. First, how does the scripture of the Old and New Testament define Joy in terms of our hearts and our soul within us all? In Psalm 16:8- 9 of David, he rejoices (joy in his heart) “because God is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.” King David knows the joy of the Lord and shows the joy in his actions and his words. Joy is a part of the heart in all believers and available to all in the world today. Many times it is difficult to see the differences in how joy is expressed and evidenced in a person. Especially since we know that joy is another fruit of the Holy Spirit.
In the gospel of Luke, we see a strong example of how joy filled the hearts of the disciples when Jesus was with them just before His ascension into heaven. They were still shaken by the crucifixion and death of Jesus and even were “startled and frightened and thought they were seeing a spirit” Luke 24: v. 37. But after Jesus satisfied their doubts by revealing his wounds and that He was alive…” they returned to Jerusalem with great joy” – v. 52. We do not have the first hand experience of seeing Jesus in the flesh, but as Peter writes “ and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and although you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with inexpressible joy…”. 1 Peter 1:8. Isn’t is so wonderful that there will not be any grumbling and complaining folks in heaven. The ones who get pleasure out of other people’s misery. Amen
Second, How do we express joy in our lives? How many people do we know that are truly content in the everyday trials and dealings they encounter. How do they show us joy whenever they are with us? We are to “consider it all joy when we encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance.” James 1: 2-3. Jesus did not tell us it will be easy to handle these trials, but He did promise to be with us. When we let Him in our hearts it does give us the strength to endure.
So, Joy is with a believer when you see him / her with a thankful heart and thankful even in the most painful and frustrating times.
When we come together in fellowship and gatherings only to talk about one problem or another, is that showing joy? Surely there are many difficulties in health and finances and anxiety and they are real. They need to be revealed so that they can be presented to God in prayer. But it is just so hard to be around folks that are angry or jealous or revengeful or talk about the doom and gloom. Any of these will suppress your joy. For example, a person, who is angry because of a divorce, will find their joy (that he or she once possessed) go dark and die away. The joy is the heart that is given to us from the Holy Spirit. It can be a fruit that withers if we wallow in behavior that grieves the Spirit.
As believers,how do we reflect and express a thankful heart? Psalm 100: 1-2 reminds us to “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Joy can grow and fill our hearts even in the most painful circumstances and when we encounter the trials of this life. “Consider it all joy when the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3
Here are some most helpful lyrics from a classic song:
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
We will consider more questions about the fruit of the Spirit- Joy next week. Until then, I hope the joy in your heart grows and flourishes more, even during these times of extreme stress that are testing our faith. Amen
Hope you enjoy this song about Joy – https://youtu.be/STvZ4miD5wo