Just like we are not supposed to have a favorite child, I’m not sure we are supposed to have a favorite aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. But if we could, I would probably choose joy. I think joy in a person is so lovely, so attractive, and so contagious.
The Greek word for joy in Galatians 5 is chara, and its meaning is connected with rejoicing, inner gladness and a depth of joy. David talks about this joy in Psalm 5:11, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Chara is rooted in who God is, not in our situation.
Let’s dig in a little deeper.
It comes from remaining in Christ.
In John 15, after Jesus has a beautiful speech about him being the vine and us being the branches, and how we are to remain in him to bear fruit, he says in verse 11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Our joy is made complete when we remain in him. We remain in him by seeking him first, by reading his word, through prayer and by obedience to his commands. In pursuing him with our time and devotion, we become more fruitful.
King David says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand,” in Psalm 16:11. There is joy to be found in the presence of God.
If you’re reading along with The Bible Recap, you’ll recognize Tara-Leigh Cobble’s signature statement, “He’s where the joy is.” This simple statement is full of truth.
It is not situational.
We can have joy in our heart whether we are in the valley or on the mountaintop. In her book What If It’s Wonderful?, Nicole Zasowski says, “Perhaps this is the most distinguishing characteristic of the joy that Christ offers: it extends beyond the boundaries of our circumstances.” Holy joy is a steady undercurrent of our life as we trust in the Lord’s faithfulness. We are secure and joyful in our salvation and in the promise of eternal life.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9
We are guaranteed to face trials, but our circumstances cannot steal our joy. In fact, in James 1:2-3, James tells us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” It may be difficult to feel pure joy in the middle of a tough trial, but there is always something to be grateful for, and those seeds of gratitude can be enough to sustain our joy through the trial as we grow in faith and perseverance.
It doesn’t disqualify other feelings.
Joy can coexist with other feelings in difficult times. We can feel joy and grief. Joy and pain. Holding onto joy in the midst of loss doesn’t mean we didn’t love what or who was lost. It just means we still have hope.
You may be familiar with Jane Marczewski, also known as “Nightbirde”. She captured the hearts of millions with her song, “It’s OK,” on America’s Got Talent in June 2021. If you have not seen that clip, you simply must. Her voice of hope and underlying joy in the midst of a hard-fought battle with cancer was an inspiration to so many. In one of her last posts, she said, “I used to believe that if I was sad, it meant I wasn’t fighting hard enough or I wasn’t grateful enough, and that’s not true. Be sad and be grateful…the joy and pain-it’s all real. You don’t have to pick one or the other.”
Sometimes we understand joy better when we experience grief, because wisdom changes our perspective. Joy isn’t just for the good, easy times in life; it is a gift from the Holy Spirit to sustain us through the highs and lows of life.
It is tied to gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Joy is not evident in the person who complains, but in the one who is grateful.
In Numbers when the Israelites are in the desert, complaining about the food God provided, lack of water, the size of their enemy and their general situation after God rescued them from slavery, God takes great offense at their complaining. He heard their complaints about their circumstances as complaints against him. He takes it personally when we are not thankful for the gifts he gives us.
The good news is that we have control over our thoughts. We can stop negative thoughts and turn them toward what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy, as Philippians 4:8 directs us.
We will find what we are looking for, whether we are looking for something to gripe about or something to be thankful for. Why not seek joy through intentional gratitude?
It’s easier to find when the burden is light.
When our burden is heavy, it is harder for us to bear fruit. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
When our souls feel weary, joy feels more distant. This weariness can come from a multitude of worldly burdens-–shame, a busy schedule, medical emergencies, stress, financial strain, hurt caused by someone you love, clutter in our homes, news, etc.
What is causing the most heaviness for you right now, and how can you lay that at the feet of Jesus? It may be a matter of letting go of the shame or hurt, asking Jesus to take that burden from your heart once and for all. You may need to relieve yourself from some commitments or ask for help. You may need to turn off the news or stretch your tight muscles. You may need to give up trying to control the situation and trust him with the outcome.
My friend, Valerie Griffin, author of Renew: Invite the Designer to Refresh Your Heart, says, “It’s easier to trust him from a posture of humility than one of self-sufficiency.” When we realize we can’t carry the burden by ourselves, we begin to trust Jesus to help carry the load and we become more free. We stop quenching the Spirit and start letting him move through us.
Joy is beautiful to behold. What a wonderful gift from God that joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit. So again this week, let’s invite the Spirit to move in us, to open our eyes to the joy that can be found in our current life, to trust God with our burdens, and to abide more closely with the source of all joy.
Ideas to practice joy:
- Listen to joyful, upbeat music (and sing!).
- Cultivate a daily gratitude practice.
- Notice and name to God what brings you joy throughout your day (“God, that sunrise brings me joy”; “Lord, this tea brings me joy”, etc.).
- Meet someone’s eyes and smile.
- For those in your circle who annoy/bother/frustrate you, look for something good they did that you can thank them for.
- Watch a movie that makes you laugh.
- Schedule a meeting with a good friend.
- Have a dance party in your kitchen.
- Go outside to breathe and enjoy nature. Let the sun shine on your face.
- Tell someone who is helping you what a great job they are doing.
- Pray and ask God to lighten what is burdening your soul
Father, thank you for the joy you give us through the Holy Spirit. What an exquisite gift this is. Help us to not diminish joy through worry, complaints or holding on to burdens or shame. Free us to experience the fullness of joy you provide through your presence. Amen.
Practicing the Fruit of the Spirit: An Invitation
Practicing the Fruit of the Spirit: Love
Practicing the Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
Practicing the Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
Practicing the Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
Practicing the Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness
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