Joy That Overflows – Fruit of the Spirit Part 4

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 (Click Link) 22 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, 23 gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. (Galatians 5:22-23 TPT) Joy is like happiness and gladness, although joy is deeper. It’s more a state of being than a fleeting emotion. We experience joy by faith as we make the choice to rejoice in spite of circumstances. It’s not a “fake it ‘til you make it” kind of thing. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, and as we respond to the Spirit’s prompting, we make the choice to rejoice. As we rejoice, the Spirit’s power brings our emotions into line with the truth we embrace. Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) Always be joyful. (1 Thessalonians 5:16) Joy is not circumstantial. We can have the Spirit’s joy even in difficult times. Paul exhorted the Philippians and the Thessalonians to rejoice, even though they were suffering persecution. They could rejoice in God’s love, in their fellowship with and commitment to each other, and in their eternal destiny in Christ. Having joy during times of hardship, suffering, or loss is not living in denial. It’s living by faith! I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NLT) Let’s learn how to receive the Spirit’s joy, the Father’s joy, Jesus’ joy. God gives us divine joy by grace. We receive the Spirit’s joy by faith. And we activate divine joy by rejoicing. We think of things we’re thankful for, things that give us joy. We give God thanks for his gracious gifts, praise for his goodness, and worship for his worthiness. As we practice this process (Yes friends, I said “practice”!) it becomes reality in us and joy overflows in expressions of thanks, praise, and worship to God and blessing and encouragement to others! Prayer: Father, We open our hearts to the joy-producing work of your Spirit. We choose to rejoice in your goodness, grace, and provision. As we rejoice by faith, may joy overflow in us and through us to those around us. Let us become “joy-wells” that refresh many!