Galatians 5:22-23(NLT),”But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things!
JOY. I’m glad the Lord has equipped us with joy. Joy is present regardless of our circumstances. It can look beyond the darkness and see the light. It rises up in the midst of turmoil and declares victory!
Joy In Action:
1. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
We can rejoice always because our God is faithful. He will never leave us alone. He has a solution for every problem we face. Even when we can’t see it right away, we can rejoice knowing He is aware of our needs and will carry us through. Being able to look back and recall God’s blessings brings us joy!
2. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)
Although we don’t enjoy going through trials, it’s the trials that make us stronger. When our faith is tested, we learn to persevere. We can be joyful knowing that in each and every struggle that we are met with, God is shaping us into the person He created us to be. No trial we endure is ever in vain, because God will use our trials and our weaknesses for His glory.
3. The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. ( Proverbs 10:28)
The hope we have in Christ brings us joy! Knowing we will spend eternity with Him brings us even more joy! Even as we do our daily tasks, we can rest knowing He will guide our steps. It’s a joy to know His love lights our way.
4. My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. ( Psalm 71:23)
We have been redeemed by the precious Blood of the Lamb! I can’t think of a better reason to be joyful. The penalty for our sins was paid and we are free, so rejoice, shout, and sing praises to our God!
“Happiness is fickle, and requires happy circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, sticks around. It doesn’t get chased off by trouble.” – Nivine Richie
***Feel free to share your thoughts about JOY in the comments.
Next Reading: Fruit of the Spirit: PEACE
Drawing Closer to Christ 
Very true, joy is a choice that we have regardless of circumstance. It reminds me of a quote I heard that said, “pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”
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That’s a nice quote! So thankful we have the choice to walk in joy! Thanks for writing 🌼
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Amen! 🙏
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