The Fruit of Joy

This Sunday we begin our evening service at Countryside Chapel.  We will be walking through the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5 and the armor from Ephesians 6.  Here are a few thoughts on joy, which I will be speaking about this Sunday.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him.  Though you do not now see him, you believe and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,” - 1 Peter 1:8

Joy is not reserved only for the future
Often times we are seeking that "thing" which will help us have joy.  We live life using phrases like, "if only" or "when this, then..."  Joy is only in our future which is always just out of reach.  If we are not living with joy, remembering and rejoicing constantly in Jesus Christ we are lacking belief.  When we love God, when we truly believe and know the love of God in Christ Jesus the only response is inexpressible joy.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11

Joy comes in obedience
God is the potter and we are the clay.  We are the created and He is the Creator.  He has laid out His Word and instructed us how to follow.  When we are obedient our joy is full because we are doing what we were created for.  Lack of joy should be a red flag for us to take a look at our life and hold it to the mirror of Scripture.  Obedience to God leads to His fullness of joy which can't be found any other place.

Joy is an incredible gift of God.  Joy allows you to smile when your whole world is falling apart.  Joy is centered in the truth of the eternal God's love for us and trusting in Him to work everything out for our good and His glory.  My prayer is that your joy may be full!