The Olive Branch

Welcome or welcome back to the blog! Today we are continuing our fruitful series with the second fruit of the spirit, joy. Joy is often defined as a state of happiness and delight, but the fruit of the spirit is something you should be producing all the time. So does that mean you must always be happy? This is where we see a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling that you get from the things around you. Joy, however, is a constant state of contentment that can only come from God. Happiness and sadness cannot co-exist, but you can be sad and still have joy. How can that be? How could you still be joyful in the midst of trials and hardships? Nehemiah 8:10 gives us the answer saying, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So, not only can we have joy in the pain but it’s what helps us get through it. James 1:2-3 tells us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (NIV) You can find hope and peace in knowing that no matter what your situation, the joy of the Lord is available to you. “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (ESV). Worry may creep into your mind and try to steal your joy away, but the Bible tells us, ” Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow” (Matthew 6: 34) and, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5). Don’t let fear and doubt take away the wonderful gift of joy that God has given you. This week I encourage you to try finding joy in everything you do and look for the good in your life. I’ll be back next week to talk about peace! Have a joyful week, and thanks for reading.

Your Friend, Olivia

Psalm 30:5 “…Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (ESV)