“The fruit of the Spirit is…joy” Galatians 5:22.The prophet Isaiah in a song of praise describes the abundant joy of God’s salvation procured through the Messiah, the Anointed one, Jesus, saying, “Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation” Isaiah 12:3. This leads us to the words of Jesus Himself in John 4:13-14 as He talks to the adulterous woman at the well, He said “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” In the book of Nehemiah when the law of God was read to the people they obviously saw their brokenness because of sin, they reacted with weeping and sorrow, symbolizing repentance and a commitment of renewal, then they were told “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10. Wow! What a verse, Conviction for sin, repentance and commitment bring a satisfying provision (fat and sweet), and then a commission to evangelism “send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Yes, share and evangelize with joy! Does this not sound like the fruit of the Holy Spirit? When this beautiful fruit is borne on our branches it attracts others and is a powerful witness for Christ. Do others see the joy of the Lord in you? Then there is also the ultimate future joy for faithful service, see Matthew 25:21, 23.
“The joy of the Lord”
By Rose Hill
Be a faithful servant the Lord doth say,
In your work for the Master today.
Do not be sorrowful or even complain,
For your work won’t be at all in vain.
The Lord has given a promise so great,
For in joy you will enter heaven’s gate.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.