Fruit of the Spirit

Image by atomicity via Flickr

The fruit of the Spirit is....joy
Galatians 5:22

CS Lewis wrote a book called Surprised by Joy in which he describes the unexpected ways in which God works and reveals Himself to us. When we are full of the Holy Spirit, joy can sneak up on us when we are not looking. A scripture will come alive to us and as we engage with our minds, a joyful realisation of truth can overtake us. Sometimes we will be carried into joyful worship by a song or some inspired music.

That joy which wells up is real. It is not a joy so deep that a week of digging will not unearth it. It is a joy that bubbles up from our bellies and errupts in a laugh and an ecstasy that has no words to describe it. But it is more than just a passing emotion. It engages our whole being, including mind and spirit, as we think on how amazing our God is, and all He has prepared for us. That joy unspeakable is ours. It is ours because of His amazing grace.

Let's ask Him for more of it today, for He delights to give. Let's come in repentance before Him, and may the floodgates of heaven's song be opened.