Joy. Its one of the fruit of the spirit but one I think we understand the least. Love, peace, patience, kindness goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control; these we understand to a much greater extant they are themes that are taught throughout the whole bible. But Joy is seemingly at first glance not present. But it is, it is so saturated into the fabric of spiritual living that it is not easily recognized.

First of all Joy is not happiness. Happiness is a conditional thing: I have a good meal with good friends and I am happy, no one shows up and the salt and sugar were switched and I am unhappy. and we are so happy focused in our culture. We have the "right" to pursue it and so pursue it we do. Thought the happiness that was being talked about in Jefferson's famous declaration is not the kind derived from a good meal or a new toy but the kind that Aristotle talked about. The happiness of being able to work to your talents most usefulness, of pursing the job you want not the one you inherited from the family. But even that is not joy its being pleased with your lot in life. Many believers are in chains and awaiting death and they are joyful.

Joy is different from happiness it is above and beyond it. Joy is not dependent upon the circumstances of life for its source it is dependent upon the circumstances of the soul. It is something you have to cultivate in the garden of your heart. It can be easy to allow the little things that bring unhappiness to clutter up your emotions and blind you to the little budding flower of Joy. But if you instead soak your spirit in the eternal truths of God and his work of salvation that little flower will flourish and bloom and bear fruit that can be shared in others lives.

Make it your work this week to to tend that little flower feed it on the goodness of what God has done for you and just watch as His Joy that shines despite the mud and muck of life grows to fill your heart and change your attitudes.

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