“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NASB
Grace Perspective:
Joy! This week let’s taste the second section of the fruit of the Spirit. Joy flows from the gracious love of the Father and the deep affection He has for us. Joy comes from knowing Christ as Savior and choosing to believe that we are secure in Him no matter our circumstances.
Joy often accompanies happy moments; however, it can be experienced during seasons of suffering. Joy isn’t merely a feeling; it’s a deep sense of understanding who Christ is and who we are in Him. Today, ponder the truth that,
“The Lord your God is in your midst,
A Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy;
He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins],
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”
Zephaniah 3:17
A Touch of Grace:
What brings you joy?
What steals your joy?
Describe a time when joy and sorrow mixed.
Grace Application:
Joy! What comes to mind when you hear this word? It may stir feelings of happiness, delight, and excitement. But can joy be felt even when life is hard?
Scripture tells us that joy and sorrow often co-mingle. We don’t have to pretend to be happy in the midst of suffering. There’s no need to paste on a plastic smile when we’re in pain. Being honest in our struggles and crying out to God, telling Him the grief in our hearts, will help strengthen our faith. So many people in the Bible vividly share their deep pain with the Lord. They model for us how to genuinely express an aching heart. As they cry out to God and remember Who He is, what He has promised, and who they are in Him they turn their eyes away from their difficult circumstances toward the Lord. Even as they feel sorrow, they rejoice in Who God is. As they rejoice in Him, they experience a joy that goes far deeper than feelings of pain, which will eventually pass either here or in heaven.
Our joy comes because of who Christ Jesus is and knowing that we are His. Our joy is not based solely on our experiences, but on knowing that He is always with us. Habakkuk said,
“Though the fig tree does not blossom
And there is no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive fails
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock is cut off from the fold
And there are no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord;
I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my
salvation!
The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible
army];
He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet
And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high
places [of challenge and responsibility].”
Habakkuk 3: 17-18 AMP
Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to You In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful for the joy found in You. You know the depths of sorrow I often feel, yet Scripture reminds me that I am strengthened as I rejoice in You. Holy Spirit, strengthen my joy and increase my faith as I seek to live more fully in the You. May the joy of my salvation spread like seeds and produce sweet fruit for Your glory. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**