The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is Joy?
Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. It is a supernatural and divine joy that comes from having a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Here is an in-depth look at 9000 words on the meaning, characteristics, source, and purpose of the joy that God desires for all believers.
Meaning of Joy
The original Greek word for joy in Galatians 5:22 is ‘chara’ which means gladness or delight. Biblical joy is an inner gladness and delight in the Lord regardless of outward circumstances. It flows from a deep sense of well-being and satisfaction that comes from knowing God and abiding in Christ.
Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope in the Lord. Joy recognizes that true happiness is rooted in God and not in the fluctuations of this world. That is why joy can remain constant even during trials and tribulations. The joy of the Lord is not dependent on circumstances.
Nehemiah 8:10 says “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy strengthens believers and gives them confidence to press on. It is a source of energy and vitality for living the Christian life.
Characteristics of Joy
Here are some key characteristics of the supernatural joy that God desires for believers:
1. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not self-generated. Joy is a “fruit” given to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit as we abide in Christ (John 15:1-11). It is not manufactured by our own efforts.
2. It is inner gladness, not external happiness. Joy resides in the heart and spirit, while happiness is dependent on outward circumstances. That is why joy can remain when happiness fades.
3. It is complete and full, not partial. The joy Jesus gives is not incomplete or lacking anything (John 15:11). As we obey Christ, our joy can be made full.
4. It is eternal, not temporary. The joy Jesus gives lasts forever because it is rooted in the eternal God and His eternal promises (John 15:11). It is unaffected by temporal circumstances.
5. It is supernatural, not natural. God’s joy is much greater than any joy the world can offer (John 15:11). The Holy Spirit infuses us with divine joy.
6. It is part of the kingdom of God. According to Romans 14:17, the kingdom of God consists of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy characterizes God’s kingdom.
7. It involves rejoicing in the Lord. Joy is centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our delight is in Him, not just His gifts.
8. It co-exists with trials. We can have joy in the midst of adversities because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). Our joy remains because of our relationship with Him.
The Source of Joy
The Lord Himself is the source and secret of the joy that He gives to believers. Some biblical truths about the source of our joy include:
1. God’s presence brings great joy. There is fullness of joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11). Experiencing His presence lifts our spirits.
2. Salvation in Christ brings exceeding joy. There is great joy when a sinner repents and is saved (Luke 15:7). We have joy knowing our sins are forgiven.
3. Answered prayers are a source of joy. When God answers prayers, it leads to great joy (John 16:24). The Father loves to grant the requests of His children.
4. Faith in God’s promises fills us with joy (John 16:22). Believing His word and relying on His faithfulness gives us confidence.
5. The word of God is a fountain of joy (Jeremiah 15:16). The commands, promises and truths of Scripture fill our hearts with joy.
6. The Holy Spirit produces joy in yielded believers (1 Thessalonians 1:6). As we walk in the Spirit, He manifests His joy through us.
Why God Desires Joy for All Believers
Scripture makes it clear that it is God’s will and desire for His children to be filled with supernatural joy. Consider the following reasons why:
1. God is a joyful God who desires His people to share in His joy. The kingdom of God is characterized by “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). His desire is that His joy remains in us, that our joy may be full (John 15:11).
2. Joy is part of the fruit of a Holy Spirit-filled life. The fruit of the Spirit manifests the character of Jesus in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22-23). Joy is an integral aspect of this Christ-like fruit.
3. Joy is a foretaste of heaven’s joy. The joy God gives us now is only a partial taste of the complete joy we will have with Him forever in eternity. In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
4. Joy strengthens believers for trials and ministry. Jesus taught that He gives us His joy so that we can have strength and stamina in the midst of adversities (John 16:33, John 17:13). Joy also motivates us for greater ministry and usefulness for God’s glory.
5. Joy is part of a complete Christian witness. Jesus wants our lives to exhibit His joy so that unbelievers can be drawn to Him (John 17:13). Our Christ-centered joy is a light in the darkness. Joy is contagious.
6. Joy makes Christian discipline easier. The joy of the Lord motivates us and empowers us to obey God even in times of testing and sacrifice (Hebrews 12:2). We can let go of temporal joys for eternal gain.
7. God wants to fill our emptiness with joy. Many search unsuccessfully for joy in temporal things. But God created us with a vacuum only He can fill. He desires to flood our empty hearts with His satisfying joy if we yield to Him.
8. Joy is God’s will for all Christians. Paul prays for the believers in Rome: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy…” (Romans 15:13). It is God’s desire for all believers to completely experience His joy.
Cultivating the Joy of the Lord
Since joy is a fruit of the Spirit given by God as we yield to Him, how can we cultivate and maintain the joy of the Lord in our daily lives? Here are some biblical ways to nurture joy:
1. Abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ is key to bearing fruit, including the fruit of joy (John 15:1-11). As we cultivate intimacy with Jesus through prayer, worship and obedience, our joy remains in Him.
2. Obey God’s Commands. Jesus said keeping God’s commandments allows us to abide in His love, which leads to full joy (John 15:10-11). Obedience protects our joy.
3. Renew your mind with Scripture. God’s word gives us insight and perspective that shapes our thoughts. Meditating on His word renews our mind and fills us with joy (Jeremiah 15:16).
4. Pray and give thanks in all circumstances. Instead of anxiety and complaining, prayer with thanksgiving lifts our eyes to see God’s sovereignty, goodness and promises. This leads to the peace of God that surpasses understanding and guards our joy (Philippians 4:6-7).
5. Have fellowship with other believers. Gathering with God’s people provides mutual encouragement, strength and cheer that stimulates joy in the Lord (Hebrews 10:24-25). His joy is multiplied when shared.
6. Keep an eternal perspective. Keeping our focus on the eternal glory that awaits us gives strength to endure present trials with joy (Hebrews 12:2-3). This eternal vantage point fuels joy.
7. Practice rejoicing in the Lord. We can count it all joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2). Even when we do not feel like rejoicing, we demonstrate faith in God’s sovereignty by giving thanks and praising Him. This leads to joy.
8. Let the Holy Spirit control your life. Yielding to the Spirit’s leading and depending on His power bears the fruit of joy as we trust God’s work in us. Surrendering to His control enables Him to manifest Christ’s joy.
9. Walk by faith, not feelings. Since joy is constant in Christ, we can choose to rejoice in Him at all times, even when we do not feel like it. We can put on the garment of praise as an act of faith.
In summary, the joy of the Lord is not fleeting happiness but an inner gladness rooted in Christ that remains through all seasons of life. As we yield to the Spirit’s work in us, He grows us in Christ-like joy that both sustains us and overflows to others for God’s glory.
Bible Verses about Joy
Here are some key Bible verses from the English Standard Version about joy to enrich your understanding of this Christ-centered fruit of the Spirit:
– “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” (1 Peter 1:8)
– “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)
– “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
– “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)
– “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2-3)
– “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
– “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)
– “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5)
– “The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8)
– “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
– “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
– “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
– “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
In Closing
The joy of the Lord is a supernatural gift provided by the Holy Spirit as we abide in Christ and surrender to His Lordship in our lives. It is an inner sense of delight in who God is that remains steady through changing circumstances. As we yield to the Spirit, He grows this Christ-centered joy in our hearts until it overflows in blessing to all those around us, for the glory of God. May the truths in this article encourage you to passionately pursue joy in the One who promises full and lasting joy, our Savior Jesus Christ.