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Joy has been defined as a calm happiness through faith in God. As a fruit of the spirit I like to think of God being a joyful God, whole complete, cheerful within himself. I love Zephaniah's thought that God rejoices over us with singing! He sees you and sings, how amazing is that!
This is the joy that God's life within us should gradually produce.
I must admit I am not always joyful but often get caught out by the spiritual battle we all face.
James speaks about being joyful in trials but it's only possible when I recognise that God is in everything with me and that even in a difficulty God is still there working out his plans in my life. Often I take time to grasp it and return to that deep sense of well being
Gratitude, Hopefulness and service are all stimulants to joy and hopefully you get a sense of that from the scriptures below
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13)
1 Peter 1: 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Nehemiah said, 8:10 “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
It's ok to enjoy God and enjoy life!