Choosing Joy: A Spiritual Perspective Beyond Circumstances
Summary
Today’s focus is on the second ingredient of the Fruit of the Spirit: joy. Joy is not simply a fleeting feeling of happiness or pleasure that depends on our circumstances. While happiness is rooted in external events—like hearing a joke or enjoying a favorite song—joy is a deep, spiritual reality that comes from God and is sustained by the Holy Spirit. Joy is not of this world; it is heavenly, a gift that transcends our situations and emotions. Even in the midst of pain, loss, or disappointment, joy can be present because it is a choice and a perspective, not just a feeling.
Jesus himself modeled this for us. The book of Hebrews tells us that for the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross. He did not find joy in the suffering itself, but in the purpose and outcome of his sacrifice: our salvation and reconciliation with God. This teaches us that joy is often found not in the event, but in the purpose behind it. When we understand the “why” behind our pain, we can endure with hope and even joy, knowing God is working something greater.
Joy is also a practice. It is something we must choose, especially when life tries to steal it from us. One of the greatest thieves of joy is comparison—looking at what others have, do, or experience, and measuring ourselves against them. This is a trap that leads only to dissatisfaction and discouragement. Instead, we are called to enable joy in our lives, to make the decision to focus on God’s love and purpose for us.
The joy of the Lord is our strength, as Nehemiah declared to the people of Israel when they were tempted to grieve over their shortcomings. God’s joy empowers us to face challenges, not by removing difficulties, but by giving us a strength that is rooted in his love and presence. When we remain in God’s love, as Jesus taught in John 15, his joy becomes our joy, and our joy is made complete. Discovering God’s path and purpose for our lives releases this joy, allowing us to live abundantly, regardless of our circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Joy is a spiritual reality, not just an emotion. Unlike happiness, which is tied to external events, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and is available to us even in the midst of pain or grief. Choosing joy means embracing a perspective that is rooted in God’s presence and promises, not in our changing circumstances. [07:34]
- Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him,” showing us that true joy is found in purpose, not in the absence of suffering. When we understand the greater purpose behind our trials, we can endure them with hope, knowing that God is working for our good and his glory. [11:38]
- Comparison is one of the greatest enemies of joy. When we measure ourselves against others—what they have, what they do, or how they appear—we fall into a trap that steals our contentment and peace. Joy flourishes when we focus on God’s unique calling and gifts for our own lives, rather than imitating or envying others. [18:17]
- Joy is both a gift from God and a choice we must make. The Holy Spirit empowers us to receive and walk in joy, but we must be willing to accept and enable it in our lives. This partnership with God means that while he provides the source of joy, we are responsible for choosing it daily, especially in difficult moments. [26:06]
- Experiencing God’s love is the foundation for experiencing his joy. As we remain in his love and walk in the purpose he has for us, his joy becomes our strength and is made complete in us. Discovering and living out God’s path for our lives releases a joy that is unshakeable and enduring, regardless of what we face. [28:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:44] - Introduction to Joy: The Second Ingredient
[04:21] - Joy vs. Happiness: A Biblical Perspective
[05:43] - Joy is Heavenly, Not Earthly
[06:37] - Joy as a Choice and Practice
[07:34] - Joy in Difficult Times
[09:26] - Jesus’ Joy and the Cross
[11:04] - Finding Joy in Purpose, Not Pain
[13:14] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[15:48] - Praying for Joy and Gratitude
[16:34] - Preparing for Pain with Purposeful Joy
[18:17] - The Trap of Comparison
[19:55] - Enabling Joy for an Enjoyable Life
[21:38] - The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
[23:00] - Nehemiah: Choosing Joy in Community
[26:06] - Joy: A Partnership with the Holy Spirit
[27:15] - Remaining in God’s Love
[28:36] - Complete Joy Through God’s Love
[31:03] - Discovering God’s Path Releases Joy
[33:45] - The Holy Spirit as Our Rudder
[34:18] - Embracing Joy in All Circumstances
[35:47] - Prayer for Joy and Strength
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Fruit of the Spirit – Joy
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### Bible Reading
- Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. 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, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
- John 15:9-11
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5:22-23, who produces the fruit of joy in our lives? What does the passage say about how much of this fruit we can have? ([01:44])
2. In Hebrews 12:2, what was the “joy set before” Jesus that helped him endure the cross? ([09:26])
3. In John 15:9-11, what connection does Jesus make between love and joy? How does he say our joy can be made complete? ([27:15])
4. The sermon mentions that joy is a choice and a practice, not just a feeling. What examples did Pastor C. give from his own life to show this? ([07:34])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that joy is “heavenly, not earthly.” What does it mean for joy to be a spiritual reality rather than just an emotion? How is this different from happiness? ([05:43])
2. Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before him.” What does this teach about finding joy in the purpose behind our pain, rather than in the absence of suffering? ([11:38])
3. Pastor C. said that comparison is one of the greatest enemies of joy. Why does comparing ourselves to others steal our joy, and how does this relate to focusing on God’s unique calling for us? ([18:17])
4. The sermon describes joy as both a gift from God and a choice we must make. How does this partnership with the Holy Spirit work in our daily lives? ([26:06])
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### Application Questions
1. Pastor C. shared about small frustrations (like twisting his ankle or dropping a cart on his toes) and choosing not to let them steal his joy. What are some everyday situations that try to steal your joy? How can you respond differently this week? ([07:34])
2. When you face pain, loss, or disappointment, do you tend to focus on the event or look for God’s purpose in it? Can you think of a recent situation where you could have chosen joy by focusing on the “why” behind your struggle? ([11:38])
3. Comparison is described as a “devil’s trap.” Are there areas in your life where you find yourself comparing to others? What practical steps can you take to stop this habit and focus on God’s unique plan for you? ([18:17])
4. The sermon says, “Joy is a decision that you and I have to make.” What is one specific way you can “enable joy” in your life this week, especially when things don’t go as planned? ([19:55])
5. Nehemiah told the people, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When you feel weak or discouraged, how can you remind yourself to draw strength from God’s joy? ([21:38])
6. Jesus said, “Remain in my love… so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” What does it look like for you to remain in God’s love on a daily basis? Are there habits or practices you want to start or strengthen? ([27:15])
7. Pastor C. talked about discovering God’s path and purpose for your life as a way to release joy. What is one step you can take this month to seek God’s direction or purpose for you? ([31:03])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God’s help to choose joy, to resist comparison, and to remain in His love no matter what circumstances they face.
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Is a Fruit of the Spirit, Not a Feeling
True joy is not dependent on external circumstances or fleeting happiness, but is a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within us, available regardless of what we face. This joy is not something we can manufacture on our own; it is a heavenly gift that God desires to grow in our lives, transforming our outlook and enabling us to rise above the ups and downs of daily life. When we choose to receive and walk in this Spirit-given joy, we experience a deep, sustaining gladness that is rooted in God’s presence and love, not in the temporary pleasures or pains of this world. [04:21]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying on circumstances for happiness instead of inviting the Holy Spirit to produce true joy within you today?
Day 2: Joy Is a Choice and a Focus
Joy is a deliberate choice and a focus of the heart, not just a fleeting emotion; it is possible to choose joy even in the midst of pain, grief, or disappointment. Jesus Himself modeled this for us, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him, not because the suffering was pleasant, but because He saw the purpose and outcome beyond the pain. When we fix our eyes on Jesus and the hope He offers, we can find joy that transcends our current struggles, allowing us to endure with hope and gratitude. [11:04]
Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Reflection: What difficult situation are you facing right now, and how can you choose to focus on the joy set before you rather than the pain of the moment?
Day 3: The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength
God’s joy is a source of strength that empowers us to endure and overcome, even when we are surrounded by challenges, grief, or uncertainty. The joy that comes from the Lord is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of His sustaining power and hope in the midst of it. When we stop comparing ourselves to others and instead celebrate what God is doing in and through us, we find a strength that enables us to keep going and to help others find joy as well. [23:00]
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Reflection: Where have you been comparing yourself to others and losing your joy? How can you celebrate God’s work in your own life and let His joy be your strength today?
Day 4: God’s Love Releases Complete Joy
Experiencing God’s perfect, unconditional love is the foundation for true, lasting joy; as we remain in His love and keep His commands, Jesus promises that His joy will be in us and our joy will be made complete. This joy is not something we earn or achieve, but something we receive as we abide in Christ and allow His love to fill and transform us. When we truly grasp how deeply we are loved by God, we are freed from guilt, fear, and striving, and our lives overflow with the joy that comes from Him alone. [28:36]
John 15:9-11 (ESV)
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Reflection: How can you intentionally remain in God’s love today, and what would it look like to let His love fill you with complete joy?
Day 5: Discovering God’s Purpose Releases Joy
Knowing and walking in God’s path and purpose for your life releases a deep and lasting joy, as you realize you are living out the reason you were created. This journey involves seeking God’s guidance, studying His Word, and being willing to submit to His will, trusting that His plans are good and fulfilling. As you discover and embrace the unique calling God has for you, you will find that His joy is multiplied in your life, empowering you to live abundantly and to bless others. [31:03]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Reflection: What step can you take today to seek God’s guidance for your life’s purpose, and how might embracing His path release greater joy in you?
Quotes
So today we are going through our series about Fruit of the Spirit. So last Sunday we talked about love, and how important it is, and actually how needed our life is. We need God in our life to be able to love like God. Because let's be honest, it's impossible to love people like God without having God. [00:01:16] (28 seconds)
If we look deeper through the Bible, we'll discover that joy is more than happiness or pleasure. Actually, the definition that you find in the dictionaries is, and in my opinion, it's the wrong definition, is saying this. Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. [00:04:34] (23 seconds)
See, joy is a fruit of the Spirit of God, which actually is not from this world. It's out of this world. So if it's a fruit of the Spirit, which is part of God, which is part of Trinity, that means it's part of God, which is from heaven. [00:06:20] (17 seconds)
So joy is a practice and a behavior. It is deliberate, which that means careful and unhurried, but also is intentional. [00:07:17] (15 seconds)
But I didn't lose joy, because I know where my grandma and grandpa went after they passed, and I know I'm going to see them again. So only God can inspire us, can empower us through the Holy Spirit to experience that kind of joy in the middle of sadness, in the middle of grieving, in the middle of struggles. Although in the Bible, sometimes the word joy and happiness are interchangeable, there are a lot of times where there are complete two different words used in the original translation, which, in my opinion, it's highlighting that joy is a point of view, a way of looking at things. [00:08:21] (51 seconds)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfect of faith, for the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [00:10:17] (37 seconds)
And this is something that I want all of us to experience and have in our life. This is the fruit of the Holy Spirit that God wants us to have, this heavenly joy that go beyond circumstances, go beyond what's happening to us. [00:11:57] (16 seconds)
In fact, He empowers us to be able to discover joy no matter what's happening around us, no matter what's happening with us or in us. In other words, Ezra is saying, decide to choose joy because of the outcome of this law. [00:25:29] (20 seconds)
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