We love to be happy; we love to laugh. Joy is deeper than all of that. We have joy because the Lord is with us; we have joy which we cannot fully express. “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9 NASB). Inexpressible! We just can’t put it into words! However, we know it is there because He is there. That’s what makes joy what it is. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17 ESV). Christ joys in us and we find our joy in Him (John 15:11).
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a NASB).
