If Christians are supposed to reflect the fruits of the Spirit, then we have to be able to understand them first. They are much more than just words. Each one has a purpose and each one brings us closer to God.
In the next few weeks, I’ll be exploring each fruit of the Spirit and sharing with you what I find. This week, I’m digging into is JOY. There have been many times that I’ve asked myself, “ will I ever find joy again?” So what is JOY and how can you find it in your life?
1. Find joy on your darkest days. Every trial has a purpose.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 NIV
2. Our Joy comes through Jesus not this world.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Luke 2:10 NIV
3. You are chosen – be joyful that Jesus chose to die for YOU. Love as Jesus – live as Jesus and you will find joy in His Name.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
John 15:11-17 NIV
4. Your joy is depleted when you compare yourself to the world around you. You will be hated at times, but find Joy in your Heavenly Father. Don’t depend on this world for your joy – you’ll never find it here.
““If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
John 15:18-19 NIV
5. Jesus chose joy as He walked to the cross. Why can’t we find joy in our everyday battles? Fix your eyes on Jesus and live by His example. Adjust your focus.
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Choose joy.
May God bless you and show you His grace every day!
– Kayla Rampey