What A Trade Off

Joy!

One of the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit.

God's Holy Spirit.

Produced in us, not created by us.

Not bound by circumstance or situation,

but joy that comes in spite of circumstance and situation.

Joy is a flavor of love.

Galatians 5 speaks of the "fruit" (not fruits) of the Holy Spirit.
It says that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is "love" and

then goes on to name the different flavors of that love, Joy being one of them.

Joy is love that is expressed.

Love that cannot be contained.
Love that is not self-driven or self-created, but emanates from within

from a source outside of our own capability.
Joy is love that cries out "THANK YOU JESUS!"

Not for any other reason that for who he is.

Psalm 32

V.1 - Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven,

whose sin is put out of sight.

Joy for that? You bet! Our rebellious ways and heart are cleared and forgiven for no other reason than Jesus.

We confess and repent.

He is faithful and just to forgive.

Joy!!!

V.2 - Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.

Whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

There isn't even a carbon copy (do you remember those?)

or a floppy disk (o.k. now I'm dating myself)

There isn't a file folder with your sins listed.
The record of your past deeds is expunged with your repentance.
The turning away from sin and the turning to God.

Because the list has been cleared, now I have the blessed opportunity

to live my life in total honesty.

Abandoning myself into God's hands!

Now if that doesn't set you on fire, your wood's wet.

Find that joy today.
Recognize the giver of such joy, Jesus Christ.

Live in.

Revel in it.

Wallow in it.

Splash in it.

Then give it away to someone else.

Share your story.

God on you....

mb