Wet socks. Slow drivers. Cold coffee that’s supposed to be hot. These are all things that I’m not a fan of and will complain about. I can easily allow the small, inconvenient things of this world take away from the joy that is mine in all areas of life through Christ Jesus.
This week, as we look at the next two fruits of the Spirit, joy and peace, we will see how our lives don’t have to be dictated by our external circumstances. For those who are in Christ Jesus, we are able to live with unhindered joy and lasting peace.
The Example of Joy
One of the clearest examples of this is found in Acts 16 when Paul and Silas were found singing in their prison cell.
Earlier in the day, Paul and Silas had encountered a slave girl who was possessed by an evil spirit. She began proclaiming that Paul and Silas were servants of the one true God. Paul turned around and called out the evil spirit in this girl and made her well. Though this miracle would forever change this girl for the better, her masters did not appreciate the miracle Paul performed. They incited a riot against Paul and Silas, had them beaten, and sent to prison.
By all accounts, Paul and Silas had every right to be upset and full of discouragement, anger, and dismay at God. Instead, they began singing praises to God. The story goes on to include an earthquake, a life-saving rescue of the jailer, and the power of the gospel saving the jailer and his entire family.
Why were Paul and Silas able to sing instead of complain? They knew God and believed in His plan. They knew that they were called to take the gospel to the Gentiles. It would not be an easy task, but it was worth it. Both of their lives had been radically changed because of the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. They were willing to endure anything and risk everything.
The Life of Joy
The gospel truly does change everything about us. When we understand that we are infinitely forgiven by God through faith in Jesus, it changes the way we view forgiveness with others. We no longer want to hold on to bitterness or unforgiveness. We want others to experience the same forgiveness we have experienced.
Through Jesus, we don’t view our time as our own. We see interruptions as divinely appointed meetings to where we can show the love of Christ to others and proclaim the good news of the gospel.
Because of the gospel, we know that our circumstances don’t have the final word. No matter what comes our way, we know that we have something far greater than anything this world can offer awaiting us in heaven. It helps us to endure the hardship of the day.
All of these things and more are a result of the joy of the Lord through the life-changing power of the gospel. Joy is more than an emotion. Emotions come and go. They are dependent upon other factors. Joy is a steadiness and a resolve that’s rooted in the person of Jesus Christ given through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today, you can choose joy because of Christ. When you’re tempted to give in to fear, shame, anger, or many other things, turn to Christ. Go to Him in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the truth of the gospel.
As joy marked Paul and Silas, it can mark you today as well. Seek the One where our joy is found. He is waiting and ready for you.
