Joy

Joy isn’t happiness. It isn’t purely a feeling of enjoyment.

Joy is more a description of a state of being. Almost an “attitude”.

Joy is like climbing a tall mountain. Somewhere along the way, the sun is hot, your feet ache, you pant for breath, your tongue yearns for a drink. You feel pain. You feel tired. It feels like your body is suffering. And it’s all real. But you need not be disheartened. No, instead you are joyful for the fact you are making progress.

Despite our circumstances, even in our trials, we are called to rejoice (James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6-9). For we know God is always with us, and always working in our lives.

The knowledge that we are God’s brings joy in every circumstance (Jeremiah 15:15-18). Where God dwells is where we find strength and joy (1 Chronicles 16:27), for it is His presence which comforts us (Psalm 21:6). And remember the Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-7).

Read also Psalm 43 and 139. These hymns bring joy in times of trial as we recall to mind the truth about God.

This is why Joy is among the fruit of the spirit (Gal 6).