The Bible narrows down Christian behavior in Galatians 5 for us, giving us 9 fruits displayed by the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us, that are displayed in us when we yield ourselves to Him.
Joy -
The second 'fruit' or charastic of God listed is joy.
Joy is different than happiness or being happy. The dictionary defines joy as - "a cause of delight" and happiness as - "a pleasurable experience".
What makes you happy? Happiness is circumstancial.
It makes me happy when my utility bills are lower then the previous month! Or one of my children get a good grade or report from their teacher. Happiness doesn't last though, and happiness I have from something good happening is quickly gone if something bad happens, not only is it gone, it is forgotten.
Joy is the state or condition of your heart and soul; being content no matter what; true joy comes from God. Even when bad things happen, Godly joy is still in you and you can find joy knowing your heavenly Father loves you and will help you through all situations.
Joy isn't forgotten. When my children were born I had joy. I still get that same feeling, deep down, of joy when I remember their birth. When I remember the day I got saved I feel that exact same joy; and when my husband goes to minister to the residents at the nursing homes, no matter what the day has brought, even if it's just for a moment, I have this same joy!
Even in uncertain times we have joy inside of us because it is a charastic of the Holy Spirit; when I pray in distress I often feel that joy before I am done because my heavenly Father comforts my spirit and reminds me of His promise to take care of us.
"...for the joy of the Lord is your strength." - Nehemiah 8:10
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." - Psalm 16:11
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." - Psalm 30:5
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." - Psalm 51:12
"And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." - Isaiah 35:10
"...everlasting joy shall be unto them." - Isaiah 61:7
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." - John 15:11
"...your sorrow shall be turned into joy." - John 16:20
"and your joy no man taketh from you." - John 16:22
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." - John 16:24
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." - Romans 15:13
I am doing this same study with the children's Sunday school class. I saw a really cute Fruit of the Spirit banner on Pinterest someone else had made using stamps and water colors, and came up with my own version for my kids to make. I am letting my class paint their banners, but they could be colored with crayons and pencils too! Each week I'll share one 'fruit' for the banner with you so you can make your own! You may download your copy of JOY by clicking on the image below!
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Jenn
Jenn, Thank you so much for this reminder today about real joy. I had another verse this morning during my quiet time that sent me the same message. It's one I needed to hear today!
ReplyDeleteGod is so good Leslie, I love it when He uses different means to convey what it is He wants me to grasp and understand! Thank you so much for visiting Is It Monday, Yet? God bless you
DeleteJenn this statement, "Joy is the state or condition of your heart and soul;" is so true. It is not indicative of the environment or the circumstance but your heart. The whole Armour of God has a breastplate of righteousness. Right standing with God. When we stand right with God he will protect our heart from the deceitful devil who points us to our environmental peace stealers. God reminds us of our security in him which brings joy that doesn't make sense.
ReplyDeleteAmen and so well put! Thank you so much for visiting Is It Monday, Yet? God bless you!
DeleteI love the fruits of the spirit, and you did such a great job to show the difference between joy and happiness.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cynthia, God bless you and thank you for visiting Is It Monday, Yet?
DeleteJenn, this is such an important distinction you made: "Joy is different than happiness or being happy." You also said that "Happiness is circumstantial." And it's so true! Our cause for joy is the Spirit and it's never ending and always renewing! Thanks for your joyful words and thanks for the linking up with #TuneInThursday this week. See you next time!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie! God bless you! Thanks so much for stopping by Is It Monday, Yet?
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