“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.” Galatians 5:22-23 TPT
There’s a big difference between happiness or fun and joy. Like we have mentioned before, joy is a state or character of the spirit of a born-again child of God. It’s an inside force that makes a person laugh, sing, dance, or express themselves cheerfully. Unlike happiness or fun, joy is not automatic; it requires you to activate it. If you don’t activate joy, it won’t be expressed and experienced.
There are three conditions for unleashing the joy in your spirit:
1. A teaching Church – Unless you are in the right Church where you are being fed with right doctrine, you cannot express or experience the joy of the LORD.
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty” (Jeremiah 15:16 NIV).
2. The company you keep – Regardless of the Church you belong to, if you keep the wrong company, they will rob you of the joy of the LORD. Remember, evil company corrupts good morals. “So stop fooling yourselves! Evil companions will corrupt good morals and character” (1 Corinthians 15:33 TPT).
3.You must decide to live a life of joy all your life. “My dear friends, you always obeyed what you were taught. Just as you obeyed when I was with you, it is even more important for you to obey now that I am not there. So you must continue to live in a way that gives meaning to your salvation. Do this with fear and respect for God” (Philippians 2:12 ERV). Joyous living is living in a way that gives meaning to your salvation. Halleluyah!
Instead of waiting for something to make you laugh, practice laughing daily. Meditate on the Word of God daily and surround yourself with faith people who aren’t offended by your joyful expression. Glory.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit and the fruit of joy You’ve placed within me. Lord, I choose to activate the joy in my spirit today, independent of circumstances or external forces. Let my heart laugh, sing, and dance in Your presence, and may Your joy be my unshakable strength in every season. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
DEEPER REFLECTION
Galatians 5:22-23 TPT
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.
Jeremiah 15:16 KJV
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Genesis 15-16, Matthew 8
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Genesis 8, Matthew 4:12-25
