The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

1 Peter 1:8-9

What brings joy to your life? For some this might be a difficult question. It can seem that there is very little that brings joy to us. Maybe look back at our childhood and think about those awesome moments, waking up on Christmas morning to open our gifts. Or maybe those big events of a wedding, or birth of a child, or a graduation.

But when we look at our lives today it seems like those moments of joy are so few and far between. So what brings joy to us? As I mentioned in a previous devotion we as Christians don’t always need to be happy. God doesn’t require that of us. In fact there are many times where we can be filled with sorrow, mourning, and sadness and that’s appropriate to have such emotions.

That doesn’t mean that there isn’t a great reason for us to have joy. What is that reason? As it says in First Peter chapter 1 vs 8 and 9:

Though you do not see him now, yet by believing in him you are filled with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

Talks about the joy that each and every one of us have as Christians. Joy in our Savior Jesus Christ. Joy that we are His children, joy that he has made us his own joy that he has promised us eternity forever in heaven.

Yes there are many people that might say: “I don’t have much joy in my life, but I would be joyful if I won the lottery.” In many ways haven’t we won the lottery? When it comes to paradise, when it comes to heaven that God has promised us an eternity of happiness, bliss, joy.

Look upon that. Especially at times of sadness in your life, especially in those times when you feel like you lack joy. Remember what God has given to you through his Son Jesus Christ that incredible gift: to know the inheritance that is yours in him. Amen.

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