Joy in the Spirit

June 4: Wednesday of the 7th week of Easter:

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68:29-30, 33-35, 35-36; John 17:11-19

“…so that they may share my joy completely” John 17:13

Jesus came that we might “have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). We don’t experience “life to the full” until we have “joy in the Spirit.” What is that?

It is “the joy of salvation” (Psalm 51), which, together with “righteousness and peace” is a characteristic of the “Kingdom of God” (Romans 14:17). It is “joy and peace in believing,” when we “abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). It is a joy “inspired by the Holy Spirit” when we “receive the word” and “in spite of persecution” become “imitators of the Lord” (1Thessalonians 1:6).

Joy “in the Spirit” comes with righteousness, when we believe in God’s word, hope by a power that comes from God, and imitate the Lord in spite of what it costs us. And it is packaged with peace.

To experience “life to the full,” and “share Christ’s joy completely,” all we need to do is let the Holy Spirit empower us to believe God’s words, hope in his promises, and love others as Jesus loves us. We can have “joy in the Spirit”—in spite of any pain, suffering or loss—if we respond to everything with faith, hope and love.

When we have that joy, we are witnesses to Christ’s life within us.

PRAY: “Lord, send us your Spirit. May we always rejoice in his consolation.”

PRACTICE: Believe. Hope. Love. In action.