Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is …. Joy.

There is nothing better than a joyful life.  A life filled with joy is a life that is worth living.  We all want joy and we all want to give joy.  We can be joyful if life is going our way and everything is working out the way we want it to go.  But, to have joy during difficult circumstances- that is not so easy. It is actually impossible.  Joy during hard times such as cancer, death, divorce, rebellious child, loss of job, etc., is impossible -- there is nothing to be joyful about.  But, through the Holy Spirit, we can find joy, because joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

In order to bear the fruits of the Spirit, you must be walking/talking with Jesus on a daily basis.  Paul tells us that we are to “Pray without ceasing." That is abiding, to include Jesus throughout our day, without ceasing.  Once we start doing that, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, will fill us with joy no matter what our circumstances are.  We will begin to “see” this world through the lens of God, and death will lose it’s sting. We will learn to seek God to find our fulfillment and place our trust in God, not in our job or finances.  Your circumstances may not change, but your outlook will change.  All of a sudden you will find yourself exuding joy during a time where you should not be joyful.  You will instantly know, God is with you and you are bearing His fruit.

Prayer

Father, Fill me with Your Holy Spirit.  Fill me with Your joy.  God, I want to “see” this world through Your lens and not my own.  I want to walk with Jesus everyday.  To start or end my day without Jesus would be unfathomable.  Create in me a desire so deep, God, to long after You. I want to push my desires aside and only seek You.