I have often discussed the joy that is fruit of the Holy Spirit. Though for some authentic joy may be elusive, I have found such joy comes easily to the grateful heart. Gratitude blossoms into true authentic and unshakeable JOY. My dear friend Joyce Williams Theilacker is a prolific writer with deep spiritual roots, and I find her posts on social media profoundly inspiring and thought provoking. Her two posts about joy I find worthy to share with my readers.
“Authentic Joy” . . . Joyce Williams Theilacker
Many grapple with the misconception that they must put on a facade of constant happiness to live out the Christian life, but the joy experienced by believers is not something we manufacture or pretend. It is a genuine, God-given gift that flows from the depths of our hearts. The Christian journey is undoubtedly marked by joy, as evidenced by the fruits of the Spirit. This joy does not eliminate the full spectrum of human emotions. In fact, the Bible itself reflects the entire range of human experiences, from sorrow and grief to rejoicing and celebration.
Genuine joy can coexist with various emotions. It doesn’t mean that we must suppress or hide our doubts, questions, or times of weariness. Rather, it means that even in moments of confusion, grief, or weariness, we can still possess the underlying joy that comes from our faith in Christ.
Consider the Psalms, where David, a man after God’s own heart, poured out his soul honestly before the Lord. He expressed times of discouragement, weariness, and lament, yet his trust in God remained steadfast. Joy is not the absence of other emotions but the presence of a deep, unwavering trust in the Lord.
Authentic joy is not a performance; it’s a reality apprehended by faith. It’s a choice we make to trust God despite our circumstances. It’s a decision to embrace His joy even when we don’t fully comprehend the complexities of life. It’s not about pretending to be happy but about seizing the joy available to us through faith in Christ.
In the church, it’s crucial to recognize that while emotions are a healthy and necessary part of our worship and expression of faith, they should never be forced. Each believer’s personality and temperament may lead them to express joy differently. Some may be exuberant and loud in their praise, while others may be more subdued and reflective. Neither expression is more valid than the other; both can be genuine reflections of the joy found in Christ.
Authentic joy is not a one-size-fits-all experience; it’s a deep, personal connection with God that finds its expression uniquely in each believer. It does not conform to external expectations but flows naturally from a heart captivated by the goodness and grace of our Lord.
As we embrace this truth, let us remember that joy is not something we need to put on for others or even for ourselves. It’s a gift from God that we simply receive and live out in our own distinctive way, reflecting the diverse beauty of the body of Christ.”
“Unshakable Joy” . . . Joyce Williams Theilacker
There is a joy that is unique to believers. This joy is not a mere fleeting happiness accessible to all, but a divine gift reserved for those transformed by faith in Christ. It’s a deep, abiding joy that we did not know before our hearts were awakened to Jesus.
Know that this divine joy prompts a crucial caution: the presence of joy does not inherently sanctify our inclinations or desires. The fact that something brings us happiness does not automatically align it with God’s will or make it beneficial for our spiritual well-being. In a world where happiness is often pursued at all costs, this distinction is essential. Many, driven by a skewed perception of joy, justify actions that stray far from biblical truths and make choices that lead them down paths of destruction.
The reasoning that “God desires my happiness; therefore I should pursue what makes me happy” is a dangerous oversimplification. It can excuse sin and lead us away from true fulfillment in Christ. The joy that Paul refers to is not akin to the ephemeral pleasures of this world but is a deep, enduring joy that arises from our union with Christ—a joy that can only be known through the transformative power of salvation.
Moses’ choice, as recounted in Hebrews, starkly illustrates this truth. He forsakes the temporary comforts and pleasures of Pharaoh’s palace for the afflictions associated with God’s people, valuing eternal joy over fleeting happiness. This decision underscores the profound difference between worldly pleasures and the joy of salvation. Only salvation offers lasting fulfillment and peace.
Believers are thus challenged to discern the nature of their joy: is it rooted in transient worldly pleasures or in the steadfast promise of God’s eternal joy? We must examine our hearts, finding our deepest happiness not in the fleeting delights of sin but in the enduring grace of walking in obedience to God.
As we navigate through life’s trials and temptations, this divine joy serves as our anchor, reminding us of the unshakable hope we have in Christ. It fortifies our resolve to live in accordance with God’s will, even when faced with choices that promise temporary happiness at the cost of spiritual integrity.
In embracing this joy of salvation, we find a treasure that far surpasses the world’s temporary pleasures. It fills our hearts even in the midst of trials, sustains our zeal for God’s service, and deepens our love for Christ and His people. This joy defines our identity as followers of Jesus, setting us apart in a world that seeks happiness in the perishable.”
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Turning Point
Mastering the fruit of the Spirit is essential for the spiritual health and vitality of the soul. When we can feel the joy of the Spirit “it is well with my soul”. Discussions such as these help to keep awareness of the treasure that this fruit of joy brings to our life and keeps us in a state of profound gratitude.