The Fruitful Life: Joy

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). This abundant life is not about what we acquire in our lifetime but is the direct result of the gifts we receive from our Lord. The nine characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22–23 are evidence of God’s favor in our lives. And as the spiritual eyes of our hearts are opened, we see that the blessings of our Lord abound. The fruit of the Spirit is not something we grow. Rather, the Holy Spirit produces one unified fruit in the heart and life of a believer—but that fruit reflects nine Christ-like qualities. It is manifested in us through the working of the Holy Spirit living in us.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22–23

Have you ever found yourself praying for more joy or asking the Lord to restore your joy?

We long for joy.

The circumstances of life can leave us drained, weary, and empty. We can attempt to control and micromanage our circumstances, which may bring a temporary happiness or satisfaction, but only the Lord can bring true joy that transcends our circumstances.

Joy & Happiness

The Bible has many more references to joy as opposed to happiness. The details of life will vary, impacting our happiness. People will disappoint us, affecting our happiness. Happiness is fleeting, and it can ebb and flow because it is rooted in and dependent upon our circumstances. 

Our Heavenly Father is most concerned about our holiness. The Lord desires joy for us that is not dependent upon our circumstances. When the tempests hit, and we feel tossed about in life, the Holy Spirit living in us enables us to cling to Christ—and that is biblical joy! It is a joy that enables us to rise above our circumstances.

The Source of Joy

Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have trouble. Difficulties will come for us all. But Jesus exhorts us to take courage, to take heart, to persevere, to stand, and to resist the enemy firm in our faith. He knows our joy will remain in the midst of the challenges because joy flows from Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Because of the joy He works in us, we can “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). What freedom we have to know that we can have joy in spite of our circumstances . . . in spite of the troubles of this world.

There may be days when we cry out like the prophet, “My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is” (Lamentations 3: 17). Our afflictions may consume us, and our spirit may be bowed down within us. Yet, the Lord reminds us that His steadfast love never ceases, that His mercies never come to an end, that they are new every morning, and that great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23).

A Secure & Lasting Joy

Years ago, I heard the phrase that the Lord insulates and Satan isolates. At times like this, the enemy of our souls would have us to shrink back, to retreat, to focus on ourselves and our circumstances. But no matter what befalls us, our “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And our joy is assured as we exclaim with the Psalmist: “The LORD of hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:7, 11).

In 2 Corinthians 8:1–2, we read of the great affliction experienced by the churches of Macedonia. In spite of their extreme poverty and challenge, they had an abundance of joy, worked by the grace of God, which overflowed in a wealth of generosity. May we, like the Macedonian Christians, glance at our circumstances but set our gaze on Jesus.

In Nehemiah’s time, God’s children greatly rejoiced that they understood the Word that had been read to them. They were encouraged by their spiritual leaders to “not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Once again, we are reminded that biblical joy dwells in us through Christ. Our strength to live out each day to the glory of God is a result of “the joy of the LORD,” our LORD.

“For the joy set before Him, He endured the Cross.” Hebrews 12:2

Jesus looked beyond the cross to His atoning sacrifice for our salvation, to His resurrection, to His Ascension, where He is seated at the right hand of His Heavenly Father. From His sacrificial act that won our salvation flows our biblical joy.

Found in the person of Jesus Christ, our joy is a true joy that is lasting, completely satisfying, always present, and bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit. Our joy is secure. It is a joy that comes from outside of us. It has been poured into us by our Lord through His Spirit. We can rejoice in the redemption won for us through our Savior. As a result, our God of all hope fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in him so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

I’ve Got the Joy

In this world, we can be plagued by uncertainty and confusion. But it is a comfort to know that the Lord directs our footsteps. Jesus is the Way as He makes known to us the path of life here and for eternity.

“In His presence there is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11

As we spend time with Him, He renews us. As we worship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as we open the scriptures and meditate on His promises, and as we pray, He refreshes us. We have joy! And this joy is never depleted.

I treasure the opportunities to join my grandchildren in singing the words of the popular children’s hymn that goes like this: “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.” That is what we want—a joy that is deep down in our hearts and is there to stay.

And that is exactly what we have.

We have an inexpressible joy—all thanks to Jesus!