The 2nd fruit of the spirit is JOY and it is more than happiness. Joy is profound. It is a fruit that is not of this world. We can still have Joy even when things are falling apart. Remember, inner joy is the fruit of the spirit and cannot be taken away.
In John 15:11 NLT, Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow.” Joy is glorious…when it simply permeates your being, it reassures us that all is well…even if to the outside world it does not appear that way. Because with God, all is well!
Can you think of a time when everything seemed to be falling apart around you yet you were joyful? I can! Take a look at 2020. Our world was hit with a biblical pandemic. The kind we have only read about in the Bible!
People panicked and bought everything in sight at the stores. You couldn’t find the bare necessities like toilet paper, bread, milk, etc. Everyone was told to stay in their homes! Except frontline workers, like police, doctors, firemen, nurses….people we all think of on the frontlines, but then there are others like me.
I am an Escrow Officer and I still had to go in. The governor ruled that people still had to buy houses. So, I had to carry a letter in my purse giving me the right to be out on the road traveling to work.
I would have preferred to stay home and they did eventually get us set up to work from home, only if we did not have any closings.
Vik and I live with my elderly mother who cannot live by herself any longer plus Vik has his own limitations since his brain surgery. At times, it was overwhelming. But we worked together and I turned to my Savior for He knew how to comfort me and I thanked Him so many times for my job.
How many others lost their jobs due to this pandemic?! My joy came because I had someone I could talk to and vent to when I had to be strong for others.
The Psalmist sings about the joy of Jesus. You can sing every day of joy in the Lord if you go to the Book of Psalms. Here are just a few scriptures:
Psalm 34:5 “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”
Psalm 22:26 “The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.”
Psalm 59:16 “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.”
People who have joy in the Lord, do not have it because they have lots of possessions, money, or fancy cars. And Jesus had nothing but the clothes on his back and he was joyful. His joy came from the Father.
Just like in Proverbs 16:20 NLT it says, “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.”
They have joy because of their faith and belief in Jesus Christ! We have a family here that will lift you up and encourage you when you need it. All you have to do is reach out.
You see, God wants you to WANT HIM. He wants you to rely on HIM to help you. Once you do that, your life will change! You will see things differently and can have the same joy I am talking about. Believe me, it helps so much with this human experience!
Thank you and be watching for the 3rd Fruit of the Spirit-Peace!