The return of joy

Many people seem to have lost their joy as a result of the effects of Covid-19 and other circumstances that affect our daily lives. A sombre atmosphere permeated the nation as unsmiling faces hidden behind masks was the order of the day.

Galatians 5:22 says, “The fruit of the Spirit is joy…” If so, this joy should not be dependent upon our circumstances, but is a fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It does not mean that we live in denial and say that all is well when it is not, but it is to have an inner joy despite our circumstances.

The regret king David felt after having committed adultery with Bathsheba inspired him to write Psalm 51. In verse twelve he prays, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.”

We should never forget the day we committed our lives to Christ; the day we were forgiven, redeemed, justified and became a child of God!

1 Peter 1:8, 9 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

We are strengthened and encouraged by the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is always with us. The Bible says that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) and “a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit

❝ We are strengthened and encouraged by the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is always with us

dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

The trials and tribulations of this world are nothing in comparison to the glory that will be revealed someday soon. Things will be different then, for God will have made all things brand new.

If you have lost your joy, allow the Holy Spirit to restore it back to you again.

* Quotations from New International Version