In the Greek New Testament Dictionary, we find the definition
for this use of the word “joy”: cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight: - gladness, greatly,
(be exceeding) joy (-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous)
The joy found in the Lord is great…exceeding…overflowing.
And it is unconditional, meaning that the joy we experience by the power of the
Holy Spirit is not based on outward conditions; it is within us because of the
presence of the Holy One.
I believe this is why our brother Paul admonished the
Philippian believers (and us, also as believers) to rejoice in the Lord always.
And he immediately reiterated “rejoice”. (see Philippians 4:4) The happiness
that we experience on this earth is transitory at best. The origin of the word
happy is in Old English and has the sense of “lucky”. One of the definitions of
happy is: having a sense of confidence in or satisfaction with (a person,
arrangement, or situation). This is perfect! We see a distinct difference
between joy and happiness – one is an ever-existing, internal presence while
the other is a conditional experience based on how we feel about our outward
circumstances.
So do you always feel joyful? I’m going to guess that you
will say “no”. But based on the definitions we’ve just examined, I have asked a
flawed question. A better question would be how are you cultivating the fruit
of the Spirit in your life so that joy may be more full within you? You see, we
cannot confuse joy and happiness. Off and on we may feel happy but we are constantly
indwelt (with or without feelings) with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
So how can we cultivate the fruit of the Spirit?
1. Pray about it. Ask the Lord to allow the fruit of the
Spirit to flourish in your life.
Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in
prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
2. Resolve that you will live according to the Spirit.
Rom 8:5&6 - For those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the
Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace.
3. Immerse yourself in the Word of God in order to
understand the nature of God.
2 Tim 2:15(AMP) - Study and be eager and do your utmost to
present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause
to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling
and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
4. Walk the walk. God will help us to walk in the Spirit and
will strengthen us.
Prov 3:5&6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do,
and he will show you the right way.
Nehemiah 8:10b - Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is
your strength.
Psalm 28:7 - The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in
him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.
Joy is within you! Nurture the fruit of the Spirit that is within
you and experience the strengthening joy of the Lord.
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