In Galatians 5:22-23 the fruit of the Spirit is listed. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control." I want us to think on the second of these�JOY. Joy touches the deepest part of our heart. The Psalmist says in Psalm 24:4, "I...will go to God, my joy and my delight." Jesus made clear the primary reason for joy among His disciples. He said, "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20, There is no greater joy than to know that one is living for the Lord and to know his name is written in heaven.
Having joy does not mean you will not have times of sorrow and sadness. Jesus wept when He saw the crowd's response to Lazarus in the tomb. We may cry often because of sorrows or a tender heart, but our grief won't be that of someone without hope. When we have Christ as our Savior, what other response can we have but joy.
Jesus had joy even in the face of great hardship. Hebrews 12:2, "Jesus...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross." Peter writes about the trials and hardships we will face and then gives this exhortation, "but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ suffering, that when His glory is revealed you may also be glad with exceeding joy" 1 Peter 4:13. Peter also states that because we believe in Christ we have rejoicing with joy inexpressible. 1 Peter 1:18.
Joy comes into our heart when we think on all that God has done and continues to do for each of us. Not only is He the one who gives life, but He daily provides all the necessities to sustain life. Best of all, He provides a victorious hope for life beyond this world. What joy we should feel for being so blessed.
We need to be careful not to allow the actions and influence of others determine our joy. True joy comes from knowing that God lives within you regardless of other influences. Moses chose to obey God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (a short time).
Temporary moments of happiness may be experienced through many ways, but inner joy flows from our relationship with Christ. In John 15, we find the parable of the vine and the branches. In this parable Jesus shows the close relationship between Him and the Christian. John 15:4, "Abide in Me and I will abide in you." In this verse Jesus teaches us that to have joy we must abide in Him. In vs. 11, Jesus states why He spoke this parable, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full."
As we grow older we lose some of the things that once brought us joy: an exciting courtship, a joyous wedding, the birth of our children, a career, abounding energy, and many other things. These joys may be in the past, but there is a greater and enduring joy. It is found in the Lord and the Christian way of life. Philippians 4:4, Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice." Joy comes from living in and for the Lord. May God help each of us to have this full andcomplete joy.