There is always a desire in our world where everyone yearns to be happy. This happiness can come because of financial stability, enjoying the company of family and friends, taking a well needed vacation, achieving academic success… and the list goes on. This happiness, however, fades whenever there are challenging situations. Happiness is based on situations, but the joy that God wants to produce in each of His children is eternal. “Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God.” -Sam Storms
“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. This joy that Habakkuk speaks about is not dependent on his current situation. This joy, as a fruit of the spirit, is the natural reaction to remain cheerful and positive when we view our situation from a heavenly perspective.
God cultivates this joy in each of us as we surrender our lives to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. He wants to give each of His children His joy as they walk in obedience to Him. His word says “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
-John 15:10-11 NIV.
This joy of the Lord will allow us to rise above all adversities as we depend on Him for our hope and strength in all circumstances. This joy makes the heart glad as we abide in Him and allow Him to grow this awesome characteristic, which is reflected in the life we live. Real joy comes from knowing God and trusting Him to direct us in all areas of our lives.
It is not always easy to experience this abundance of joy but through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can cultivate this characteristic of the fruit of the spirit. The Apostle Paul inspires us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In addition, he encourages us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” -Romans 12:12 NIV.
In this world, we will experience many trials, tribulations, and heartaches, but God understands our hurts. In spite of our struggles, failures or disappointments, God still wants us to stand firmly in Him so that we can experience His joy. He extends an open invitation to all as He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28 NIV.
It’s not God’s intention for any of us to be burdened with the cares of this world which can negatively impact our lives physically and emotionally. His desire is to see his children experience continuous joy through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
God is ready to grant you His joy that can withstand the test of time. Seek Him in prayer and abide in Him always. “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” -John 16:24 NIV.
May you tap into the reservoir of God’s abundant joy so that He can produce in you His joyful characteristic. This will further allow you to joyfully flourish in this life and for the life to come.
