Discover His heart: He desires to fill us with the joy of the Holy Spirit
Paul questioned the Galatians, “What has happened to all your joy?”(4:15 NIV) Now that’s a question I don’t want to be asked because it signals to me that, in the eyes of others, my joy is gone. If asked this question, I would feel obliged to examine what really did happen to my joy so that I could give an answer. Where exactly did my joy go?
I’ve noticed when I am especially embroiled in a tedious task like income tax filing, checkbook balancing or bill paying, the joy really isn’t flowing. Although I love to cook and try new recipes, following a very detailed Martha Stewart recipe can change the environment in my kitchen very quickly. Suddenly, it’s just not fun anymore. This is how Paul found the Galatians – encumbered by the Law of Moses at the bidding of the false teachers who had invaded the church. Their relationship with the Lord had been usurped by legalism, and they had lost their joy.
@ Galatians 5
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (1) The incessant observance of all the laws had turned the Galatians’ focus from the work of the Holy Spirit through Christ in their lives to their work in their lives, saving themselves through circumcision and the adherence to all the laws.
Anyone or anything that turns our focus from Jesus and what He did on the cross to rules and methods that we must follow to earn our salvation is wrong. “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)
New life through the Holy Spirit! “So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” (16,22-23) Joy is the end result when the Holy Spirit controls our lives. Joy doesn’t come from our substitutions for Him or our manipulations of Him, but rather His pure guidance and freedom in our lives. When the Holy Spirit guides us, we are filled with a deep, abiding peace regardless of our circumstances and a joy that comes from deep within us.
“Now with patience in our suffering, perseverance in our prayers, with good reason this hope is in our hearts. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Christ our joy and strength. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Christ our joy and strength.” (Sara Groves) With His joy, no one will ask “What has happened to all your joy?” because He puts a song of joy in our hearts and we sing Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
Moving Forward: As I move through this day led by the Holy Spirit, I experience His joy because He is guiding me and producing what is good in my life. Hallelujah!
Tomorrow @ Exodus 37-40
Phyllis Benigas 