GRACE FOR JOY
Galatians 5:22-23
Sometimes we Christians tend to downplay the meaning of joy. But, the Greek word translated as “joy” in Galatians 5 means “gladness and delight” – basically the same thing the word means when it talks about joy. However, as stated in the previous study, it is a spirit-rated trait of a balanced believer. It goes beyond a feeling of gladness based on our circumstances. Sadly, the world’s joy cannot last because it is based on fleeting, physical circumstances. But the joy of the Lord is established in our spiritual, eternal circumstances. As we cling tight to Jesus, abiding daily in our saving relationship with Him, we will experience the fullness of joy He promised (John 15:4-11).
As stated above, the situation around you physically might be negative. That is a fact of life which does not invalidate what it should be as God would want it. I know the thought I think towards you, it’s the thought of peace to give a future and hope. [Jer.29:11] That is God’s position. You as a believer must continually place this before you daily if you must excel in all endeavors of life. Hebrews 12:1-2 states …Jesus for the joy set before Him endured the cross … despising the shame. It takes a spiritual mind to see this in the midst of seemingly bad/negative situations of live.
You need the joy in the Holy Spirit to establish the kingdom of God on earth, (Rom.4:17). When you have the joy of the Lord radiating through you, you can never be depressed. You won’t be able to explain the calmness you have in the midst of rough weathers of life. Please seek to grow this fruit by staying in God’s presence in the place of prayers and study of His word.
MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 12:1-2
PRAYER:Oh Lord, I receive the abundant grace to grow in the joy of the Lord daily in Jesus name.