Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Three

As I pondered on what brings joy, our next piece of fruit, a Cubs game came to mind. Interestingly, Cub fans understand joy in the lower story; screaming, laughing, dancing, and fireworks spontaneously erupt with each win. It’s true in the upper story as well:

And when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy.

Matthew 2:10 TPT

The Iranian astronomers, we call them Wise Men, followed the star for two years until it finally settled over the Hebrew Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was born.

Joy isn’t just feeling happy because things are going well; joy is felt in the depths of our being when we recognize God’s free gift of grace extended to us. The wise men didn’t work for their blessing but when they experienced it joy exploded. It’s a conscious decision to maintain our joy and rejoicing when times get tough and life causes us to lean into negativity and fear. However, when we seek to maintain joy under pressure it causes our mood to shift toward thinking like Jesus. 

Nehemiah 8:10c says it well; the joy of the Lord is your strength. 

Jesus explained there’s spiritual joy in our inner man when we stay connected to Him, but also, it’s evidence that you’re His disciple.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:8, 11

The Holy Spirit was sent to help you grow the fruit of joy every day, even when your life seems full of trials.

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:22, 24

If you’re not experiencing joy then you’re probably not spending enough time with Jesus. It’s His Spirit that empowers you to be joyful.

… in Your presence there is fullness of joy; Psalms 16:11a

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

Interestingly, the word charisma and charismatic come from the word joy; we are to be people filled with His joy and grace as we move in His gifts (1 Cor. 12-14) to help each other. When we’re faithful to use the grace-gifts He’s given us we ‘enter into the joy of our Master’ (Matt. 25:21) and that’s a good place to be. 

And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

If your desire is to be more like Jesus then be filled with Him and use your spiritual gifts; maybe you’ll experience a Cubs Win!