The Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Joy
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
- Galatians 5:22-23
Continuing on our theme of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, Danny shared with us the aspect of joy. What is joy? Joy, specifically as a fruit of the Spirit, is described as deep abiding, spiritual gladness that comes from knowing God, trusting in His promises, and experiencing His presence regardless of our external circumstances. Unlike happiness which comes and goes depending on how things are going in our lives, joy is rooted in the unchanging character of God. Joy is the assurance that we are loved, that we are saved, and that we are held by Him, even when things get tough in life.
Although I like this description of joy, what does it truly mean to me? How can I know if I have joy in God? How is it possible for me to feel joy when nothing seems to go right in my current season? Even though the concept of joy is difficult for us to fully imagine or grasp, Danny shares with us a few ways for us to experience and cultivate joy in God.
1. Remember God’s Grace (Titus 3:4-5)
It's easy to recognize God’s grace in hindsight, but harder in difficult moments. Danny experienced God’s grace through people, like our brother Phil and Danny’s father-in-law, who encouraged him during uncertain times. Their support reminded him of God’s presence, deepening his joy in the Lord.
2. Always Give Thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Gratitude can be tough in hardship, but God never gives us trials beyond what we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). Through suffering, we’re reminded of Christ’s own sacrifice and the hope we have in Him (Rom. 5:3-5). A thankful heart doesn’t ignore pain—it sees God’s constant presence through it, building lasting joy.
3. Spend Time in God’s Word (Jeremiah 15:16)
All the fruits of the Spirit reflect God’s character, which we come to know through Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16). The more we engage with His Word, the more we understand God’s heart—and in aligning with Him, His joys become ours.
4. Tithe (1 Chronicles 29:14)
Though unexpected, tithing fosters joy by acknowledging that all we have belongs to God. Giving becomes worship (2 Cor. 9:7-8), growing our trust in Him. As we loosen our grip on finances, we also release fear—making room for joy rooted in God’s provision.
Danny concludes by asking us: do you have joy in God? If not, what is standing in the way? If you feel like you are struggling to have joy then ask God to send the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of joy. It is alright if you do not know how to ask, for God will know if you pray with sincerity (Rom 8:26-27).
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you define joy? Does it align with how Danny describes the joy we should have in God?
2. What might be standing in the way of you experiencing joy now?
