Developing the Fruit of the Spirit in Your ChildSample

Joy

By Lisa Lakey

When your child hits the pre-teen years, it will feel like emotions rule your home. All those hormones will send your peaceful, happy child on a roller coaster of feelings, and it may be difficult to recognize joy. It may be hiding behind anxiety or even anger. But no matter how well it may be concealed, joy is possible for those who are in Christ. 

I find it interesting that “happy” and “joy” are synonyms, yet joy is also a verb meaning rejoice. In Philippians 4:4, we are told to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” In other words, always find your joy in God. 

In Romans, we read, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (14:17). That tells me real joy isn’t found in my relationships, career, or even my circumstances. It is found in the Holy Spirit, which I received through Jesus Christ. 

Young adolescents are at a great age to start learning this truth. Their frequently shifting emotions will give you plenty of opportunities. That said, here are some tips on teaching your children about joy. 

Point to the joyful. It’s easy to get swept away by the negativity in this world. Make it a personal mission to point out reasons to praise God. When the kids have had a particularly bad day, I’ll ask them to find one thing to be joyful about. It never ceases to amaze me how praising an unchanging God can turn our temporary moods around. 

Memorize Scripture on joy with them. Joy is mentioned anywhere from 180 to more than 200 times in the Bible, depending upon translation. An easy one for younger kids is Psalm 47:1, “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” 

Teach delayed gratification. Children who never have to wait on what they want will have trouble sorting through fleeting emotions. James 1:2–3 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” A little suffering goes a long way in learning how to be happy. Delayed gratification helps reinforce real joy, rooted in Christ.

To find out more about adding joy to your child’s life listen to, “Finding Genuine Joy” on FamilyLifeToday.com.