JOY – Episode 8 – Receive the Word with Joy

JOY – Episode 8 – When they hear, receive the word with Joy.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23).

It is at least interesting that the fruit of the Spirit of Joy is positioned between Love and Peace. Could it be coincidental that we must find love which comes before joy in order to find peace in our lives?

When and from what sources do you find joy? Is it in a job well done? From your career, hobby, family, possessions or good fortune?

This word, JOY, in the Bible and from the Greek language in which it was written, is ‘chara’,  (pronounced, ‘khar-ah’), means  joy, delight, gladness, a source of joy. The picture is “to extend favor, lean towards, be favorably disposed”. More properly, it means the awareness of God’s grace and favor. Joy is found when God’s grace is recognized.

Read with me over the coming episodes, examples of what the scriptures say about JOY.

“Those on the rocky soil are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and yet these do not have a firm root; they believe for a while, and in a time of testing they fall away. Luke 8:13

What is this kind of joy, and what is the source of this joy?

This kind of joy is found in the heart and mind of the unrepentant and unsaved person. Their joys are based on the whims of life. Whatever feels good or sounds good at that moment, brings them joy, as long as it does not require a personal investment of self, time, thought or personal sacrifice.

The joy of the Spirit of God is not based on feelings. The source of this joy is based on faith – a deep, abiding faith. The faith that is he certainty of things confidently expected, the proof of the things which are not yet seen, the faith that gives understanding, and is pleasing to God (see Hebrews 11).

There will be times when life and circumstances bring uncertainty and can threaten us with fear and consternation. But true joy comes from a confident assurance and reminder that our God will always make a way. We draw near to God and know that,

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”
For He will save you from the trap of the fowler,
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions,
And under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.
You will not be afraid of the terror of night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But danger will not come near you.
You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes
And witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High].
Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will command His angels in regard to you,
To protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service].
They will lift you up in their hands,
So that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra;
The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
“Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him;
I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never].
“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
“With a long life, I will satisfy him.
And I will let him see My salvation.”  (Psalm 91)

Know this and be filled with the Joy that brings you peace.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS:  JOY – Episode 7 – Jump for Joy.

NEXT: (coming soon).  JOY – Episode 9 – The 72 Returned With Joy.

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