Joy
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
Close your eyes and take a moment to reflect on the word joy—what comes to mind? What do you see? How do you feel?
When I say the word joy, I can’t help but smile because it makes my heart warm. It calms any fears or doubts and puts my mind at ease. It gives me a sense of peace. It makes me think of my family and friends, the children that I work with, the feeling that I get when I can help someone else.
It has been said that “joy touches the deepest part of the heart,’ which is why it is the second fruit after Love. The Greek word for joy is chara and means “joy, rejoicing, gladness, enjoyment, bliss.” Luke 10:20 says “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you: but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” As believers, we can find joy in knowing that we are saved by the grace of God and have an eternal home in heaven with Him. Despite our shortcomings and imperfections, despite us not deserving it, God loves us that much to create eternal homes for us that no person or disaster can take away. What a reason to have JOY!
In this life we all experience trials and tribulations, ups and downs, excitements and disappointments. The wonderful thing about joy, however, is that no matter our circumstances we have reasons to be hopeful, encouraged, and thankful. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul is in prison. While imprisoned we find Paul writing a letter to encourage the church to be unified, always knowing that their purpose was to glorify God—that gave Paul joy! Can you imagine being joyful while someone else “controls” your freedom? That JOY can only come from God!
Philippians 4:4-7 states: “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Joy from God gives us the strength to press on when we want to give up. No matter how hard it seems, we can rest in knowing that God is still in control—He knew what would happen before it did and already has it worked out for our God. WE MUST BELIEVE.
As a child growing up in a small town, our church choir used to sing a song titled ‘I Still Have Joy.’ I’m not a singer, but the lyrics are so powerful to me as an adult.
Through the storm
And the rain
Through heartaches and pain
Thank God I still, still, still have joy.
Then it goes on to say…
Weeping may endure for a night
But early in the morning everything is gonna be alright.
Thank God I still, still, still have joy.
The lyrics to this song are a direct reference to and reminder of Psalm 126:5: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
In my 36 years of life I’ve experienced my fair share of sickness, death, hurt, insecurity, worry, doubt, emotional pain, and physical pain, but the joy that this song and scripture talks about is what wakes me up in the morning, keeps me going, gives me a reason to hold my head up and smile, keeps me focused. No matter what has happened, I’m still here. As long as I’m still here and have breath in my body that means that God has more for me to do….in that I find JOY!
One of my favorite scriptures is found in James 1:2-3: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
This scripture encourages me because it reminds me that although I go through hard times and may fail, God is giving me everything that I need to endure and be strengthened. When I feel like giving up, I can think about all that I’ve been through—in those moments I didn’t think I would make it through, but I am reminded that the same God who brought me through those times can and will bring me through present and future times. I find joy in knowing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God Is Faithful.
My prayer for myself and each of you is that we fully believe and experience joy from God. Many people look for people and things to make them “happy”—if we’re all honest, we all have and do at times. Happiness, however, can fade just as quickly as it comes. Joy, on the other hand, is something that no one can take away. Joy is a gift from God and can be found in Him. Our feelings change, but God remains the same.