On the days when the car has an unexpected rattle or flat tire, the wifi goes out, a key staff calls in sick at the worst possible time - I have a tendency to default towards panic and stress. I confess, that happens more than I like as a woman of faith!
Yet God reminds us in Galatians 5:22-23 that we have access to a better way with His help.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
As we continue our series on Expressing the Fruit of the Spirit at Work, we see a word which may not seem like it belongs, joy.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, JOY is defined as:
“great happiness”
“a person or thing which causes happiness.”
The second definition above of the noun Joy applies to how it is a fruit of the Spirit.
“May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
“Ask {in My Name}, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)
“…the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Somehow, as the verses above reassure us, when we invite God into a situation, He can give us joy despite the circumstances we are facing.
One of the side effects of experiencing this Spirit given joy is how it can benefit our whole person:
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
This article talks about the effects of joy on our bodies & minds:
Expressing joy is a gift given by the Holy Spirit for each of us, God’s children, and helps mark us as followers of Jesus. Joy helps us hold on to hope when things are hard or strained at work.
Taking This to God in Prayer:
God, I don’t always default to invite You into every situation when it occurs, and I am sorry for that weakness in putting my faith into practice. Your Word reminds me that YOU are able to give me supernatural joy, a joy founded upon being Your daughter, as You release Your Spirit fresh within me. Teach me to turn to You first in every situation, that I might express that same joy at work. Let my God given joy be a witness to You, God, wherever I go, and whatever we face together.In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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