“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay.”
This is the first verse of the Song titled “I’ve Got the Joy” by George W. Cooke. We sing this song and others during praise and worship at church, but do we take the time to reflect and ask ourselves the question, “Do I really have joy deep down in my heart?”
Renowned author John Piper defines Christian joy as being that “good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world.” Implied in this statement is the idea that true joy, the joy that comes from God, comes from seeing Jesus.
In the Bible, Galatians 5:22-23 introduces us to the ‘fruit of the spirit’. This fruit has nine components, one of which is joy. Every believer must strive to exemplify these godly characteristics. By embracing and practicing the Fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — we can create a life that not only glorifies God but also brings joy and peace to ourselves and those around us. Joy goes beyond mere happiness. It is a profound sense of contentment and fulfillment that comes from our relationship with God. This joy remains even during life’s challenges.
Therefore, the next time we sing about the joy within our hearts, we will understand our encounter is a result of what God is doing in our lives. We should never take the fact that we are joyful for granted because some people experience a void in this area.
It is our duty to share joy, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others so that they, too, can benefit from the joy of the Lord – it is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Now is a good time to approach your workmate, neighbour, or friend and point them to the source of all joy – Jesus.
Read: Psalm 16:11; Habakkuk 3:18
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 124; Hebrews 11:17-40; Ezekiel 24; Ezekiel 25