The Fruit of Joy
ADVENT: JOY DAY 4
READ:
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
REFLECT:
We have seen that joy is rooted and founded on who God is and what He has done and is doing, that it is not based on circumstances, and is something that he gives to us, and the Holy Spirit grows within us. Therefore, it makes sense that God commands us to be joyful since He literally equips us with the very tool we need to respond to any situation with joy.
Responding joyfully to difficulties is not a natural response that we were born with. When difficulties arise it is natural to respond with stress, anger, fear, worry, and anxiety. But we see God commanding us to be joyful in multiple places throughout Scripture (Romans 12:12; Ps. 100:1-2; 32:11; 33:1; James 1:2-3). This command to rejoice is not just an emotional suggestion because we don’t always feel joyful, rather it is a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
How can you begin to respond with joy in all circumstances and obey this command from the Lord?
I’m glad you asked! The foundation we need in order to respond joyfully is to trust and obey God and spend significant time learning from Him and about Him in His Word. Mediate deeply on His attributes, His steadfast love, faithfulness, mercy, power, wisdom, and goodness. Open your heart up to Him and simply ask Him to produce this joy in your life.
Practically, this means:
RESPOND:
Throughout today, practice this simple rhythm:
Then pray Paul’s words out loud as a reminder to yourself that you will respond with joy: Lord, help me rejoice in You always: and again I say, rejoice.
READ:
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
REFLECT:
We have seen that joy is rooted and founded on who God is and what He has done and is doing, that it is not based on circumstances, and is something that he gives to us, and the Holy Spirit grows within us. Therefore, it makes sense that God commands us to be joyful since He literally equips us with the very tool we need to respond to any situation with joy.
Responding joyfully to difficulties is not a natural response that we were born with. When difficulties arise it is natural to respond with stress, anger, fear, worry, and anxiety. But we see God commanding us to be joyful in multiple places throughout Scripture (Romans 12:12; Ps. 100:1-2; 32:11; 33:1; James 1:2-3). This command to rejoice is not just an emotional suggestion because we don’t always feel joyful, rather it is a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
How can you begin to respond with joy in all circumstances and obey this command from the Lord?
I’m glad you asked! The foundation we need in order to respond joyfully is to trust and obey God and spend significant time learning from Him and about Him in His Word. Mediate deeply on His attributes, His steadfast love, faithfulness, mercy, power, wisdom, and goodness. Open your heart up to Him and simply ask Him to produce this joy in your life.
Practically, this means:
- Reprioritize what brings you joy. Instead of allowing your circumstances to dictate the joy you feel in your life, purposefully place God at the center of your life and rejoice “in the Lord,” because He is good and worthy of your praise.
- Respond in obedience. Being obedient to Jesus and to what you already know from His Word cultivates healthy soil in your life so that the fruit of the Spirit will take root and grow.
- Release control. Since joy is produced by the Holy Spirit, then your ability to fulfill the command to be joyful is solely reliant upon Him working in your life. All you have to do is choose to be joyful and use this spiritual tool as you respond to life’s situations.
RESPOND:
Throughout today, practice this simple rhythm:
- Rejoice – Name one thing you can celebrate about who God is.
- Pray – Invite God into whatever you’re facing.
- Give Thanks – Identify one thing you’re grateful for, even if it’s small.
Then pray Paul’s words out loud as a reminder to yourself that you will respond with joy: Lord, help me rejoice in You always: and again I say, rejoice.