JOY – A Spiritual Force

So many people are stuck trying to find happiness in something. You can read it on their faces. Some believe things will provide happiness in their life. Some believe serving others will bring happiness to them. Some believe lots of money will make them happy.

Have you ever met people who truly live and walk above happiness? They walk with happy attitudes but their happiness is generated from within them. How can that be? I dare say these are believers who walk in God’s love, life, and grace each day. It’s a happiness far greater than the dictionary meaning.

It is JOY. And joy is a spiritual force that can allow your feelings to be changed or transformed. Joy is a powerful force residing in your spirit once you’ve made Jesus the Lord of your life. Galatians 5:22, ESV says the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Paul further amplified living in the kingdom in Romans 14:17, ESV, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Because Jesus lives in you, His joy is in you. Appropriating His joy is an act of your will. It’s a choice. You can choose to be joyful or to be mournful or unhappy. Joy is such a strong spiritual force and fruit that it will carry you through tough times in this world. Nehemiah 8:10 NASB declares “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Don’t just get by in life. Don’t continue looking for the next ‘thing’ that will bring you happiness because it won’t last or satisfy. But choosing to walk in God’s joy because He’s placed it within you will transform your days and your life.

Decide on purpose, today, to be joyful because of what Jesus has done for you. Choose joy and you’ll experience renewed strength in all areas of your life.