Financial Fruit of the SpiritSample

Word #2: Joy

“Don’t worry, be happy!” This catchy song suggests a simple remedy for troubling times, but we all realise it’s just not that easy. The problem lies in the fact that life happens, circumstances change, problems crop up, people don’t do what we want them to do. Happiness is dependent on circumstances being right.

Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives. Joy is a choice to be content, regardless of circumstances. Understanding what encourages joy in your life can help you cultivate it and build up your resources for when circumstances are difficult.

One of the most challenging Christian concepts was described by Jesus’ half-brother.

“My brethren, count it all joy, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

We can respond to life’s trials with genuine joy if we know that the Lord has a purpose for why He would allow those difficult times of suffering and trials. In this passage, the purpose for trials is to produce patience or endurance in our lives.

The spiritual fruit called Joy enables us to be content and give thanks in whatever economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. Paul, writing not from the London Savoy hotel but a Roman dungeon, understood this.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Henri Nouwen said, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

Joy does not come from economic success. Joy has its spring deep down inside, and that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross.

“… and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame ...” (Hebrews 12:2.3)

Choose joy and allow the Spirit to flow, no matter in which economic conditions you are. It has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.