JOY

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit from the first cluster. Along with love and peace, these fruits especially speak to our relationship toward God.

What it means

Kara or Chara is the Greek word. Kara means joy or delight. It is akin to chairo which is translated “to rejoice.” Kara joy means deep pleasure or something causing deep pleasure.

Kara joy comes from a spiritual source. As in “the joy given by the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Or “joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Similarly, in the Old Testament we find “for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Even Jesus was said to be “full of joy through the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 10:21)

I can only experience kara joy if the Holy Spirit indwells me. Which happens at the moment I accept Jesus Christ as my savior. Once the Holy Spirit lives in me, I can be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When the Spirit fills me, kara joy is available to me.

Kara joy is not happiness. Happiness is a feeling that can result from joy. But joy is a choice to accept what the Holy Spirit is offering me.

Kara joy is contrasted with weeping and sorrow. (John 16:20,22; Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 7:30; and Psalm 30:5).

Why its important

In his book, “The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life,” Billy Graham says “Joy is the flag that flies above the palace when the King is in residence.”

We all face trials and difficulties. James says I should “consider it pure joy” when I face trials (James 1:2). Paul says “in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” (2 Corinthians 7:4). By demonstrating joy in difficult times, my life appears different. “The flag” of the King is flying over my palace.

Paul discusses his joy in light of the people he has helped spiritually. He calls the Thessalonians “our joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19). He calls the Philippians “my joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1). And John said “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

How to do it

1. Have hard times in my life.

Difficult times, or trials, or hard things provide opportunities for me to practice joy. Fortunately, difficulties and trials are not rare in my life. So I have lots of opportunities to practice.

Here is the tricky part. I have to chose correctly. My first response and natural reaction is to get upset or frustrated when I don't get my way or when my plans don't work out.

So I have to actively stop myself and readjust. I pray a quick prayer. Thanking God for the situation and asking that He help me respond with joy.

2. Help people grow spiritually.

As I help people grow, I rejoice in the progress they make. I rejoice when my physical children grow and mature. Likewise, I rejoice when my spiritual children grow and mature as disciples of Jesus Christ. I can follow Paul's example in this way.

While I am helping them grow spiritually, I need to focus on the forward steps they are taking. Not the negative things they will undoubtedly do. But the positive. When I reflect on how far my friends have come over the months or years, I can't help but rejoice in the progress God has helped them make.

If I am not helping anyone grow spiritually, then I miss out on this joy!

3. Be thankful.

Paul instructs the Thessalonians to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Paul puts joy, praying and being thankful in the same sentence. Its tough to whine and complain when I am being thankful. No matter how difficult the circumstances are.

Practical discipleship tips on thanking God

Thankfulness in prayer and joy go hand-in-hand!

4. Quit complaining.

Notice the progression in Philippians 2:14-18:
Do everything without complaining or arguing,
which helps me become pure and blameless,
which helps me shine like a star in the universe as I hold out the word of like,
which makes Paul glad and rejoice,
which should make me want to be glad and rejoice with him.

Less complaining leads to more joy!

5. Be in the presence of God.

When I focus on being in the presence of God, then comes joy. When I pray or read or study my Bible as an end in itself, I may miss the presence of God. But when I slow down and concentrate on meeting with God, then I enter into His presence. And in His presence is joy. As David said, “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)

6. Remember that my name is written in the book of life

Sometimes I am too busy helping people develop in their relationship with God. I lose sight of the bigger picture. Jesus' disciples were the same way. He sent them out to do the work. They “returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.'”(Luke 10:17) They were excited about the power they had. Jesus' response was “do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

When I die, I get to go to heaven and be with God for all of eternity. I need to remember that! And I need to remember it often.

When I do, then I will have joy!

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