MAY 10, John 15:11

The second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit is joy. What does the word “joy” mean? Is it just to be happy or pleased? Well, that is the general meaning of the word “joy”. However when we have the joy of Jesus, it far exceeds the normal joy that others talk about. Joy is the deep strong comfort and bliss we have because of our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Are you not glad to know that God loves you? When you love the Lord, you will follow His commandment to love your neighbour. That is a very tough thing to do, but with God’s strength, you can do it.

If you have believed in the Lord Jesus and are born again into the family of God, you will want to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” Psalm 100:1. What if you are sick or have a problem? Does it mean that Christians have fewer problems than non-Christians? Of course not. The Bible does not teach us that. But what we do know from today’s text is we shall have joy when we keep God’s commandments and keep in His love – meaning not do anything that will make God angry with us.

So even when we have difficulties and troubles, we will be able to echo with the prophet Nehemiah that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10.

Try to fill in the missing words of this hy mn -
Jesus is the __ __ __ of living,
He’s the King of Life to __ __ ;
Unto Him my __ __ __ I’m giving,
His for __ __ __ __ more to be.
I will __ __ what He commands me,
Anywhere He leads I’ll __ __ . (A. H. Ackley)

Thought: Real salvation brings real joy.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to obey You every day, so that I may be able to experience real joy every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.