What then is joy?
Joy is defined as the fruit of a right relationship with God. It is not
something that people can create by their own efforts. (Holman Bible
Dictionary)
Joy is one of the benefits derived when we delight in the
Lord (Ref. Post of 2nd Feb. 2025)
Joy is the number two fruit of the Holy Spirit. This Joy transcends any
challenges, problems, sufferings, misfortunes, sorrows, grief etc. It is like
the Psamist wrote in Psalms 23:2 & 3 - "He makes me lie down in green
pastures (surrounded by predators), He restores my soul (inner peace that is
unexplainable). Why? Not because of me but for His name's sake. It is in
keeping with God's promises when we obey His commands. Hence James wrote;
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials
of many kinds,......" (Jas.1.2.NIV)
This verse established that joy is not that, all is well, rosy, laughter etc
but that you are not alone in the trials. And the challenges are usually the
test of our faith in Christ.
"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you
know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same
kind of sufferings." (1 Pet.5.9.NIV)
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common
to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you
can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you
can endure it." (1 Cor.10.13.NIV)
So, JOY IS KNOWING WHO SHARES YOUR SUFFERING AND WHO BEARS
THE BURDEN. (Heb. 4:15; Mat. 11:28) Joy comes from knowing Jesus Christ who has
experienced sufferings and won the victory. And because He is victorious, we
rise above the pains of sufferings and trials.
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ." (1 Cor.15.57.NIV)
WORD: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the
vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there
are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the
Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." (Habakkuk.3.17-18.NIV)
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