Joy Fruit

Posted 1/6/2003 7:07:49 AM

"But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy" Gal 5:22-23

Joy is more than happiness. It's a state of contentment that doesn't require comfortable circumstances Pr 14:13, 2Cor 7:4, Hab 3:17-18 in order to thrive. Jesus gives us joy directly John 15:11, through His words John 17:13. God's joy actually can give strength through hard times, instead of being a result only of pleasant ones Neh 8:10, and is actually "food" in the kingdom of God Rom 14:17.

God gives us joy when

• we draw near to Him Ps 16:11
• we praise His name Ps 89:16
• we reap His harvest Ps 126:5
• we thank Him for salvation Ps 132:16, Is 12:3,61:10
• we feast on His words Jer 15:16
• we believe in Jesus Christ 1Pe 1:8

There are some wonderful examples of joyful praises in the Bible:

• Moses & Israel at their salvation from the Egyptian army Ex 15:1-18
• Hannah's exultation to God for her son 1Sam 2:1-10
• Mary's joy at the miracle of carrying Jesus Luk 1:46-55
• The eunuch's rejoicing for salvation Act 8:39
• The Corinthian jailer, for his salvation, too Acts 16:34
• The new church meeting together Act 2:46

Joy to suffer?

• For Christ's name Act 5:41
• For preaching the gospel Act 16:23-25
• For the sake of others Col 1:24
• For growth and teaching purposes Job 5:17, Ps 94:12, Jas 5:11
• For the glory of Christ 1Pe 4:12-14

What's the difference?

So it seems to easy to rejoice after God's performed a miracle, or worked out something in our lives. The joy that comes from the Spirit, however, is a gladness in God, not in a pleasant circumstances. This joy comes from being with God, from His Words, from His salvation, and yes, from his actions. It's all due to Him, otherwise it's just being happy.

All verses in this article