After making a long list of the works of the flesh and the terrible consequences that follow those who go that way, Paul provided the opposite, which is the fruit of the Spirit. This is a list of what ought to characterize the life of anyone who truly professes the name of Jesus. They are the hallmark of what Christianity is all about. The first on the list is love. Apart from all that may be suggested as avenues to joy, it is important to state that this virtue essentially comes from the Holy Spirit. If you have Him in your life, potentially you have joy.
“Those who know full joy in the Lord are those who have learned to fully follow His every dictate.”
What will turn that potential joy to real life experience is becoming yielded to His every move. The Spirit is there to teach and guide, correct and control, convict and comfort. If you let Him have the right of way, you are sure to find joy in God. What better way to close this entry than to recall the song by John H. Sammis. “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word/What a glory He sheds on our way!/While we do His good will, He abides with us still/And with all who will trust and obey/Trust and obey, for there’s no other way/To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”. Those who know full joy in the Lord are those who have learned to fully follow His every dictate.