"Joy"

  The world around us is longing, looking to find joy and fulfillment. They turn to alcohol, drugs, pleasures of many kinds trying to bring joy in their lives. It is all temporary as something crops up difficult and those brief moments they think are joy are gone! Misery replaces their joy.

  Here we are in Christ Jesus, our sins blotted out before God and the righteousness of Jesus is ours. We possess salvation, not condemnation. What do many find? They reach just as the world reaches for joy in externals and physical means.

  Joy, real God given, spiritual joy belongs to those in Christ Jesus, at least it should! Joy is either with us presently or it is not with us at all! Real God given joy is not dependent upon circumstances or people but on being saved. Joy is not when things are going well for you today or your problems have been put to rest. It's not something that is pursued. You have it or you don't! It's not a feeling but a relationship with the Lord and knowing that relationship.

  John writes that "our joy may be made complete." (I John 1:4) John explains how this joy is maintained. Walking in the light. Loving the truth. Practicing the righteousness of God by submitting yourself under His care and teachings. If there is no walking the truth, no walking in the Light by whole submission to the Lord, there will be no joy. Truth is not debated or demanded but what you live in the Light of God. As one walks in the Light of the Lord, truth becomes all important, loving those God has called to Himself is prominent and the righteous of God is practiced which leads joy that comes only from Him. Joy is the fruit of walking with the Lord. It's a joy that is found in the most difficult of situations because the source is God.