February Devotional: Fruit of the Spirit-JOY

Joy That Glorifies God: Rejoicing Regardless of Circumstances

Joy can sometimes be a misunderstood aspect of the Christian life. Many people equate joy with happiness, comfort, “blessings” or favorable outcomes, but Scripture paints a very different picture. Biblical joy is not rooted in circumstances—it is anchored in our trust in Christ.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit as stated in Galatians 5:22. The source of this “fruit” is a supernatural empowerment that comes from spending time marinating on the Word of God (aka abiding in Christ). Choosing to live joyfully, even in hardship, is one of the clearest ways we glorify the Lord and demonstrate our trust in Him.

Joy Is a Choice Rooted in Faith, Not Feelings

Jesus never promised His followers an easy life, but He did promise His presence. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Joy flows from the confidence that Christ has already secured the ultimate victory. When we rejoice despite adversity, we declare that our hope is not in temporary comfort of this World, but in an eternal Savior who paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can spend eternity with Him.

The Apostle Paul truly embodies this truth. Writing from prison, he commands believers: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Paul’s joy was not circumstantial— it was Christ-centered. [To provide context to the book of Philippians, Paul was in a Roman prison awaiting a potential death sentence from Emperor Nero, whom was known for persecuting Christians and even killing his own family members. Paul was writing this book as a thank you letter and possibly had the mindset that this would be his last letter before being killed.] Our joy glorifies God because it reflects our belief that He is sovereign, faithful, and good regardless of what situations we face.

Joyful Living Is a Powerful Witness to the World

When believers live with joy in the midst of suffering, it testifies to the transforming power of the Gospel. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” A joyful spirit during trials shines brightly in a world driven by fear, anxiety, self-reliance and despair.

Joy reveals that our identity is secure in Christ. As Nehemiah reminded God’s people, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). This strength does not come from ignoring pain, but from trusting God in the midst of it. That trust brings Him glory, every time.

God Uses Trials to Strengthen Our Faith

Trials are not signs of God’s absence—they are often evidence of His refining work. James writes plainly, “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–3). God allows difficulties to deepen our dependence on Him and to grow spiritual endurance within us.

Similarly, Peter explains that trials refine our faith like fire purifies gold: “Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-9)

As we go through this New Year with sleepless nights, force hires, never ending emails, mundane tasks like Target Solutions and cleaning toilets, let’s consider these situations as opportunities to choose Joy regardless of our circumstance. Being consistently Joyful is something that can all do to spread the gospel of Jesus.