Joy. One of the fruits of the spirit is joy. We are told to rejoice in the Lord, and, as if we didn’t get it the first time, Paul says, “I say it again rejoice.” Peter says, “You believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.” And Nehemiah says, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Joy to the world…joy everlasting…joy unspeakable. The scriptures and songs are replete with the notion that those who believe in the Lord should be filled to overflowing with true joy.

But let me ask you, when was the last time you felt real joy? Really. When was the last time you felt a life bubbling up in you, exuberantly, like you were a champagne bottle about to be uncorked? The type of joy you see in children playing tag, or opening their Christmas presents.

For many, it would be difficult to remember times in recent memory when we felt fully, completely alive. We might look to past events like falling in love, the birth of a child, looking into our beloved’s eyes and saying I do. But when in recent memory have you really felt joy?

How about feeling true joy in worshiping God?

Now, as soon as I say ‘feel joy’ in relation to worship, your radar might go up. We have been told by teachers and pastors for years that we should not trust the fickleness of our emotions, and that feelings should be the caboose in the trains of our existence, behind fact and faith.

But throughout the scriptures we are told we are to feel joy.

When seeds of truth are watered with faith, the fruit of joy should be produced. And though joy may encompass much more than feeling, it certainly is not less. The God who created all things knows and loves you. He died on the cross to take away our sin and sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. He calls us brothers, sisters and friends and has purchased with His blood our very eternities. And one day we will see Him face to face and our joy will be complete.

Our God promises us not ease or comfort, but peace, real security, acceptance, and joy. Read those sentences again of what Christ has done for us and think on their implications. If true, we above any people who have ever lived should have overflowing joy. That’s why the church fathers said that the chief end of man was to love God and enjoy Him forever.

Throughout this day, look for things to rejoice in Him about. If you look, you will find many.

Questions for Thought:

1. When was the last time you remember feeling total joy?

2. Do you think we should feel joy in our worship?

3. Do you often feel joy in worship? Why or why not?

4. How might reflecting on God’s grace in Jesus increase your joy?