But the fruit of the Spirit is … joy
Summary: When God comes to live in us, surprising things happen!
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to “force a smile?” Have you heard the expression, “Put on a happy face”? When we find ourselves in a place we do not want to be, it can be hard not to frown or scowl.
Joy is different.
While we can “fake” happiness, joy comes from deep inside. Joy is like the light from a candle or the sweet smell of a fresh peach. Joy emanates from within a person and shines for all to see.
When God’s Holy Spirit comes to live in us, things change.
I recently taught a class on the nature of our spirits. It was a challenge because we cannot “see” what a spirit looks like. When Paul talks about the “desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:16), he is talking about a spirit of self-centeredness that characterizes life apart from God. When we recognize our need for Jesus and open our hearts to him, he comes in the form of the Holy Spirit.
I mention this because our discussion of spirits caused some in the group to be nervous talking about the “flesh” and “spirits.” Some people, it seems, have a strict set of rules that they expect God and everyone else to follow. If God’s Word doesn’t fit their idea of what they think he should be saying, they have a problem.
Putting God in a box of our own making is dangerous. The Pharisees and Sadducees tried that, and it didn’t work out well for them. Putting God in a box won’t work for us, either.
Putting God in a box also prevents us from experiencing joy.
When we come before God humbly, without preconditions or expectations, God can do his work in us. Jesus taught, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
Little children don’t make rules that they expect God to follow. They let God make the rules.
When we let God be God, he likes to make us feel better. He teaches us his ways, and when we walk in those ways, life is good. The result is joy.
Application: Let go of any preconditions you have about God. Come to him as “little children.”
Food for Thought: How is “joy” different than “happiness”?
I would have to say the difference is that joy is rooted in something more permanent, whereas happiness is circumstantial. Children are a joy to their parents, even though, oftentimes, they are not happy with the things their children do.
As believers and followers of Christ, our joy is rooted in Christ’s resurrection and victory over death, our redemption and adoption into His family, the continual transformation of our lives, and the anticipation of joining Him in Heaven with the Father.
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”
Thank you, Chris!
I agree. Happiness is dependent on our situation in life. Joy is the result of our situation with God.
How is “joy” different than “happiness”?
Happiness is more of a state of mind attached to physical events in our lives. It’s laughter at a funny joke or satisfaction in accomplishing a goal we’ve worked hard for. We are happy when our loved ones surprise us, on a special day, when our children or grandchildren are born, and when we spend time with friends and family or involved with our hobbies and passions.
Joy is spiritually rooted in our faith in Christ, the full assurance that God is Sovereign, in total control of every detail of our life, the quiet confidence of knowing, ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the willful choice to praise God in every situation.
Joy allows us perspective to trust God with our daily lives. Choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives. Joy is knowing, in Christ, we are free! No one can take this freedom from us. With it comes the fruits of the Spirit – among them is joy.
When we live life within the love of Christ, our lives are no longer our own and we seek to bring glory and honor to God in all we do, trusting His specific purpose for our lives. Joy is a product of life in Christ as we welcome God into our daily lives, through prayer, reading His Word, and intentionally admiring the beauty of His creation around us. We love the people He has placed in our lives, and experience that same love from others. The joy of Jesus flows through our lives as we become a channel of living water flowing out to everyone who witness our lives.
Joy comes as we let God be Boss!!!!
Thanks Ron!
I like what you have pointed out. Happiness is temporal and Joy is eternal. Great contrast!
As Chris points out, Joy does come from God!
How is “joy” different than “happiness”?
I believe that happiness is more of this world, things that aren’t permanent or that has much duration. To me joy is more important. Joy can’t be taken away easily. It’s almost like it’s a gift from our Lord, or a feeling of His kingdom. The two are like feelings and emotions.
Sorry, guess i never hit the post button yesterday.
Thank you, Tim!
Your thoughts are worth the wait! 🙂
I love that you characterize joy as a “gift from the Lord.”
So true!