Joy

“The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control” (Galatians 5:22-23a, NIV).

Psalm 16:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:4

• If you wait until you are happy with your life you will rarely possess joy. John 16:33
• “happiness” - from the English word “happenstance” which means “something that HAPPEN’s because of a circumSTANCE.”
• God’s joy comes from adopting His perspective of life. James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Romans 5:1-11
• God’s perspective is that you now possess a right standing before Him – the holy God. (v.1)
• God’s perspective is that you have a relationship of peace with Him. (v.1)
• God’s perspective is that you are deeply loved by Him. (v.5-8)
• God’s perspective is that your future is safe from His judgment.(v. 9-10)
• God’s  perspective is that you have reason to be full of joy – you are His friend. (v.11)
• God’s perspective is that He rejoices over you. Zephaniah 3:17; Acts 16:22-25
• Godly perspectives to live by:
• Focus on giving rather than receiving. Acts 20:35
• Focus on healing rather than hurting. Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32
• Focus on God’s power rather than your problems. Psalm 62:8; Ephesians 3:20
• Joy killers in relationships:
• Selfishness. James 4:1-2; James 3:16
• Bitterness Hebrews 12:15
• Fear. Proverbs 12:25
• Fear makes us defensive.
• Fear makes us distant.
• Fear makes us demanding.
• Fill your heart with singing to God.  (v.19)
• Consistently express an attitude of gratitude to God. (v.20)
• Highly value fellow believers, serving them in love. (v.21) Philippians 2:3-4; Nehemiah 8:10

Application:
In times of difficulty, I draw on an inner joy and speak cheerful words of praise to God
instead of complaining.