JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in MUCH AFFLICTION, with JOY of the HOLY SPIRIT – 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NKJV)

There is a force of the Spirit known as “the JOY of the LORD”, “Joy IN the Holy Spirit” or “Joy OF the Holy Spirit.” This is the Joy that flows from the “SUPPLY of the SPIRIT of Jesus Christ” (Phil.1:19). Such JOY, like the Peace of the Lord is SUPERNATURAL. It is not produced by any natural, bed-of-roses experiences. JOY in the Holy Spirit is an unwavering constant in a Spirit-filled life. It is inexpressible, irrepressible, enduring, and abounding. The JOY of the LORD is more constant, enduring, and powerful than any adverse circumstance or situation a human being could ever face on earth.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Joy. Joy goes hand-in-hand with His presence. Whoever carries His indwelling presence has a potential Fountain of Joy within. Acts 13:52 says that “the disciples were FILLED WITH JOY, and with the HOLY SPIRIT.” The Psalmist revealed that in God’s presence “is fullness of Joy”! Our key scripture 1 Thessalonians 1:6 reveals that: no amount of affliction can stop the flow the Joy of the Holy Spirit. When you are truly filled with the Holy Spirit, no circumstance or adverse situation can silence you; no devil or demon can dam the flow or overflow of your joy!

Paul was infused and filled with joy in spite of his situations. He wrote his most joyful epistle to the Philippians from prison. His joy – in prison, under persecution, and in the face of possible execution – flowed from an eternal relationship with and nearness to God through Jesus Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit within. It is your nearness to God, not circumstances, that defines the level of your joy. True joy is not derived from anything temporal. It is the by-product of trusting God. Christ is the main Purpose of a Life of Joy. When your mind is fully surrendered to Him – the Word – you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to experience and express the joy of the Lord – the Joy of the Holy Spirit.