Our current Bible Study topic is 'the Fruits of the Spirit.' Last night's fruit was joy. We were asked what we think about when we think of the word 'joy?' Most of us had similar answers; but my answer was 'inside.' When I think of joy...the joy that God gives...I think of it being an internal thing. We can fake joy but true joy comes from a Source that is eternal. Sure, getting a bonus at work can bring joy. A new relationship can bring joy. The birth of a child can bring joy. But is the joy from those things true internal, eternal joy?
One of our guys said he felt this 'true' joy when his wife gave birth to a baby girl. He had 2 older boys from a previous marriage and just didn't think God would give him a girl. When the doctor said the baby was a girl, he had unspeakable joy. Similarly, I felt absolute true joy when my son was born. When I had my first child I wanted a girl more than anything. God gave me a girl...I was beyond ecstatic! With my second child, again I wanted a girl...and again God was faithful!! With our third baby, I wanted a boy so much. After he was born and everyone left the hospital and it was just him and me in the hospital room...I was totally in a world of euphoria! God had given me the desire of my heart...a son! I praised God and cried and shouted in my hospital room, full of joy and unbelief at the same time! I just couldn't believe God had given me a son...a son...my son!!! (And God went on to bless us one more time with another girl!)Joy, internal and eternal joy, comes from above. That kind of joy is unspeakable! It's not joy brought on by circumstances or situations. It's a joy that is given by God above to those that love Him and serve Him.
"22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
What is it in which you find that internal, eternal joy?
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