The Godly Character of Joy

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Joy is a characteristic in the life of a believer that has the ability to catch the attention of the world. It enables you to meet the challenges of life with enthusiasm and expectancy and flows from a deep conviction that God is alive, real and in control of your life.

The world needs to see joyful believers who can praise the Lord no matter what their circumstances are or what their lot in life may be. It gives them hope for their own circumstances and a curiosity to know more about this incredible God we serve.

Joy is an effective, spiritual gift given by God to believers that helps to sustain us in difficult times and increase our happiness in good times. As believers we always have something to be joyful about. Our lives have been forever changed because of the cross. We have been saved by grace, by a Savior that unconditionally loves us and the joy of our salvation leads us to witness to a lost world that deeply needs Jesus.

Joy is a choice we make to praise God with a grateful heart even when life hurts, knowing that the future holds the promise of eternal life with Christ. The fruit of the Holy Spirit displayed in our lives will not go unnoticed by the people around us and will make an impact in our world. This kind of joy is contagious and brings excitement as we share our faith knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength.