“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law”.[Galatians 5:22–23]
We all know what it’s like to have our lives beset by problems. Financial difficulties, inclement weather, or even rush-hour traffic can cast a pall over our spirits.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. The Holy Spirit can help us rise above our problems, big or small, and cause us to be happy and cheerful in spite of circumstances.
The secret to having the joy of the Lord is taking the time to fill up on God’s Word, so that you have a reservoir of His Spirit within to draw from in stressful times. “These things I have spoken to you,” Jesus told His disciples, “that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”[John 15:11]
So if you feel down or discouraged, try spending more time with Jesus, reading and studying His Word. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make!
It also helps greatly to count your blessings, to think about all the good things the Lord has given you and done for you. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”[Philippians 4:8] “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”[Nehemiah 8:1]
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You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.—Psalm 16:11
It is the consciousness of the threefold joy of the Lord, His joy in ransoming us, His joy in dwelling within us as our Saviour and Power for fruitbearing, and His joy in possessing us as His Bride and His delight; it is the consciousness of this joy which is our real strength. Our joy in Him may be a fluctuating thing: His joy in us knows no change.—James Hudson Taylor [James Hudson Taylor (1832–1905) was a British missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission.]
Be merry, really merry. The life of a true Christian should be a perpetual jubilee, a prelude to the festivals of eternity—Théophane Vénard [Théophane Vénard (1829–1861) was a French Catholic missionary to Indochina, who was martyred for his faith.]