Fruit: Joy

Scripture says the following about joy [and so much more!]


Our joy is to be full in Christ. Can't be taken away. We are to have joy in trials. God's Word is the joy of our heart. Belief in Christ results in joy that is inexpressible and full of glory. God's word is written so that our joy may be complete. In God's presence there is fullness of joy.


Joy in ministry of the Holy Spirit. Joy in the finished work & future coming of Christ. Joy with the saints in worship. Joy of salvation, joy in the works of the Lord, joy in the law of the Lord.


Christ endured the cross for the joy set before Him.


Believers are commanded all across the Psalms to sing for joy, to praise the Lord in joy. Paul says in Phil 4:4, Rejoice. Again I say, rejoice!


What is joy? I came across a neat definition in one commentary... "A constant state of calm-gladness and a thankful, faithful, unwavering, always rejoicing and praising heart." That just about sums it up. 


Happiness is what the world knows... a good feeling that is dependent upon favorable circumstances. It is temporary and fleeting, a mood, an emotion. But joy... it is that permanent gladness of heart, despite the world around you, made possibly only by faith in Christ. 


I think of the sermon by Piper where a man's daughter goes flying through a windshield and lies dead on the street, and through the deepest possible pain he says, "God is enough. God is enough. He is good. He will take care of us. He will satisfy us. He will get us through this. He is our treasure. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth I desire but you."  That is joy. No matter what the storm, to look to heaven and know Christ is your treasure. Your joy. Your love. Your strength. 


And yet I see so often that my joy lies in my performance, my works, my attainments, myself. I see my joy shaken when I lose sight of God's Word and promises. When I see trials as a burden and not as a change to grow in faith and character and intimacy with the Lord. My joy is sucked when I allow desires and expectations to rule my heart rather than Christ. When I fall in love with the world and forsake my bridegroom. 

That Christ would be my treasure. 

Good articles:
http://bible.org/seriespage/true-source-joy-luke-1017-24
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2003/130_Quest_Joy_Found_Christ/


Pipers Clip

Love

I went through scriptures that talk about love and paraphrased them...

Laying down of rights and wants, putting others first. Deny self. Builds up others, covers transgressions, forgives. Merciful, compassionate, forebearing. Seeks God above all, compelled by Christ, originated by God. Cannot be quenched. To love enemies and one another. Love to be genuine. Is a fruit of, production of, result of the Holy Spirit. Greastest characteristic for a Christian to put on. Proof of our salvation. Is patient, kind, not prideful or rude.

So how can I love more? Or love better?

1. I need to be rooted and built up in Christ, in the Gospel, in the Truths of the Word. Need Scripture actively on my heart and my mind. Need to constantly meditate on the Gospel.
2. I need humble dependence in prayer. Only God can give me the grace and softened heart to love.
3. I need to recognize my unworthiness of God's love and be filled with thanksgiving for the abundance He gives. I nailed Jesus to the tree. I committed the infinitely highest form of treason against the infinitely highest God.
4. Put others first, which should be a natural outflow from the first 3. 

Sometimes I think that Christian Paul surely would not have said he was the chief of sinners if he would have seen my life. There are days that I may as well carry around a little wooden idol of myself, because I can be the most selfish and self-centered person I know. And to think that God calls me Righteous and Beloved in Christ. I am not quick to forgive and forebear. I am not slow to anger or compassion or mercy. I have an awful time giving grace when I am wronged (or think I have been wronged). 

Make my heart loathe the thought of my flesh, Lord, and come running to Christ, bow at His feet, and cling to Him alone.