Daily Devotional ~ Fruit of the Spirit ~ Joy
Worship: If you'd like to play a song before you begin or while you read, may we recommend "Joy" by For King & Country. Why not try asking alexa, siri, or google to play it for you?!
Daily Verse: 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!
☆ Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Let's Talk About It: In our second part of our Fruit of the Spirit series we are looking at joy. Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is an emotion whereas joy is a state of mind.
James proclaims that it is through our trials we have the opportunity to find the joy of the Lord. (James 1:2)
Jesus exclaims that it is through our knowledge of who He is and how we are connected to Him eternally that we may be filled with His joy. (John 15:11)
Peter explains that it is both our love for Christ and our faith in Him that bring us joy. (1 Peter 1:8)
Paul admonishes us to always be joyful. (1 Thess. 5:16)
David says the presence of the Lord is what brings joy. (Psalm 16:11)
No matter how we look at this fruit, there seems to be many ways to exercise our ability to hold on to joy. Depending on what we are going through and the path we are on, we may come to understand this fruit of the Spirit differently.
See friend, while everyone can be happy by whatever makes them happy (this is dependent on each individual), our joy comes from one place, Jesus Christ. He is at the center of every single person's perspective above.
So, how do we remain joyful, even in times of sorrow? We keep Jesus at the center.
HE (and He alone) is our joy!🙌🏼
Additional Reading: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
☆ James 1:2 NLT
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
☆ John 15:11 NLT
You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.
☆ 1 Peter 1:8 NLT
Always be joyful.
☆ 1 Thessalonians 5:16 NLT
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. ☆ Psalms 16:11 NLT
Prayer: Abba, thank you for another beautiful day. You are so mighty and so awesome and I am in wonder of your greatness today, God. There is none like You. Your majesty and breath of power are so easily misunderstood. Father, help us to see You and understand You for who You are. Thank you, Lord, for a other day to rest in your grace and share your love. Lord, I pray You would heal the sick and hurting, assist those with financial burdens and free those who are in bondage of any form right now in your mighty name, Jesus. I pray that Your will be done, Father, on earth as it is in Heaven. Thank you Jesus, for laying your life down for mine. You are a true Friend indeed, and I am grateful for your love and mercy. Help me to shine your light today and everyday, Lord. I love you Jesus, and in your name I pray, amen.