Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV) that comes from God. The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Spirit. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, every believer is to grow the fruit of the Spirit, giving them God’s joy. Those who recognize Jesus as the promised Savior and Redeemer of the world are filled with joy. 

The world defines joy with the presence of comfort and the absence of pain. A person may experience sadness on occasion through the death of a loved one, financial trouble, the actions of others, or depression; but underlying the sadness is the sure knowledge that one is still loved by God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to experience joy that is not dependent on the circumstances of life. Christian joy is higher than secular happiness and is found in God’s sovereignty.

Praise

Praise God that joy is the natural reaction to his work, whether promised or fulfilled. “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8, ESV).

Examine the Scriptures

Does joy come from Christ?

Jesus spoke of “my joy” and promises it for his followers. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11, ESV).

How does Jesus pour his joy into us?

Through his words, by his spirit. “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13, ESV).

How do we know our joy is rooted in God and not in our circumstances?

When we yield to the Holy Spirit, he opens our eyes to God’s grace and fill us with joy. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, ESV).

Pray

Holy Father,

When the Lord Jesus was born the angels proclaimed, “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10, NKJV). As with the shepherds that night, all who find Jesus are filled with the joy he brings. It is by the power of the Holy Spirt, through Christ, and in your presence alone that we can know true joy. A joy that can never be taken from us regardless of the trials in life. We rejoice that the Holy Spirit draws us to you, brings us into your presence, filling us with the strength of your joy.

In the holy name of Jesus,

Amen.