I want to talk about three things in this article. First, where true joy comes from. Second, experiencing things opposite to that of joy and third how joy comes through the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Before I knew Jesus I struggled with joy very much (and still do sometimes). In fact, a lack of joy is one of the reasons why I drank so much, before the Lord told me to quit drinking. When I drank, I felt I had all the ‘joy’ I needed. However, that temporary happiness that I felt through alcohol is nothing like the true joy that is offered by our Lord Jesus Christ.
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
REAL JOY
The gratification I used to seek before Jesus, was actually not rooted in anything substantial. Even though, at times I felt happiness, I never felt fulfilled. After I first became a Christian, I struggled with my new identity because I had to unlearn destructive behaviors. Instead, I began to learn how to cling to God, for fulfillment and… joy. The joy I feel in the Lord is more of a feeling of contentment, like a mix of joy and strength.
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! Psalm 81:1
One thing I have learned is that my attitude (and joy) is a direct reflection of the amount of time I spend with the Lord. If I do not spend time with God on a daily basis I act like a jerk to everyone around me. I know this is not everyone’s experience however, this is definitely the way the Lord has built me.
But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29
I get worn out around people rather quickly. I often must retreat and get quiet time. If I waste my quiet time on social media or other frivolous activities, I don’t really recover. However, if I spend that alone-time with God, like being in prayer, reading the scriptures or writing about God, I am restored.
CONTERFEIT JOY
As we know, the enemy always tries to pretend to be like God. So he confuses us by distraction, materialism, entertainment (lights, camera, action!) and substance abuse. The enemy will use anything to pull us away from God. In reality, worldly happiness leaves us feeling empty and craving more because we are never fulfilled. When Jesus’ birth was announced, an angel declared it would bring great joy, and the enemy tries to steal that joy to this day.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
As we know, joy is one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). These fruits are given by the Holy Spirit – love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. What’s interesting is that when Jesus told the disciples that He would send the comforter (John 15), He reminded them to abide in His love so that His joy would be in them. Abiding in God, is crucial.
It is only as we embrace the gift of having the mind of Christ that we can find true peace and extraordinary joy. (Exploring Philippians 2022)
Dr. Tony Evans
REJECTION
John, chapter 15, is also where Jesus explained to the disciples that they would experience hatred from the world. Hatred is quite different from joy.
If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. John 15:18
The Holy Spirit bears witness about Jesus. Satan hates it when we bear witness about Jesus, through the Spirit of truth. If Satan hates it, you can bet the world does too. Many people claim to bear witness about Jesus but when pressed on hard scriptures or issues, they cave to culture or avoid certain topics all together, because no one wants to be hated. However, we cannot redefine what the Bible says just because we don’t want people to dislike us.
But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness about Me. John 15:26
We must find comfort and support in the Holy Spirit and in other believers who speak truth and act accordingly. Speaking truth is not out of hate, but out of love. I believe this topic relates to when James said count it all joy in the book of James, chapter 1.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
GOD HAS A PLAN
If we are rooted in Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us understand that God always has a plan. Have you ever been through something really hard, but afterward you thanked God for allowing it to happen because it was for the best? When we understand God has control of everything, we can be joyful and patient through trials, even when it’s hard. Joy is a choice that we make on a daily basis by trusting the plan of God. However, the Holy Spirit is what make true joy possible by putting comfort and patience in our heart, during trials and tribulations. True joy is not artificial, but a gift, from God.
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY STRENGTH
R.C. Sproul had a great sermon regarding the deeper meaning of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word Parakletos, is the translated word for Holy Spirit. In the English Standard Version of the Bible, the word Helper is often the translated word used. Parakletos (Strongs 3875) is two parts – para (3844) means to come alongside of something and kletos (from the root word kaleo 2564), means to ‘make a call’. This word was often used in reference to a defender or an advocate who would come alongside someone and fight their case for them in court or against an accuser. As Sproul said, the helper comes alongside us into a hostile world to bring us strength and joy.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1
Interestingly, in the King James Version, parakletos is often translated as comforter, not helper. The original understanding of the word comforter was two parts as well – com, meaning with, and forte, like in music, meaning played with strength. The Holy Spirit brings strength.
JESUS IS THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF BEING FILLED
In Luke, chapter 4, Jesus read out loud to the people to declare who He was, implying that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Himself.
And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And He rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:17-21
Jesus’ Spirit was so obvious that we can see all of the fruits displayed in Him through His teaching, love, miracles, courage, boldness, healing, prophecy, power and wisdom. In the New Testament, we see the filling of the Holy Spirit give much power to those abiding in Jesus. There was preaching with boldness, speaking in tongues, healing, bravery and joy! Without abiding in Jesus and living out His word, we can’t expect to have the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is boldness, and that strength brings joy. True joy makes you want to rejoice in Jesus and thank Him for His sacrifice.
LIVING OUT JOY
Having joy, is like being set free. Like how Jesus set me free from drinking! And how He can set you free from whatever is holding you back from the Lord. This is why it is important to put on the full armor of God, daily. Brothers and sisters, it’s time to strengthen yourselves. Lay down the counterfeit lie that the world pushes through entertainment, substances and distraction. Spend time with Jesus daily, read your Bible daily. Create a support group of friends who also do these things daily. When we do this, we are equipping ourselves to go out into the world and shine the light, and joy, of Jesus to bring those who don’t know Christ, closer to Him.
It is a different world now. It seems the joy of this world has been forgotten. We are to be a reflection of Jesus, speaking truth in love and demonstrating our strength in Jesus. Do NOT be afraid of the devil. When you are abiding in Jesus, the devil loses his power over you.
And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
I pray this message has been encouraging for you. Blessings to you!
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