While "Joy" is a fruit of the Spirit, at times it has totally escaped me.
However, joy, Galatians 5:22-25 says it is one of the fruits of the Spirit which we are to strive to receive.
Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the joy of your salvation"
John 16:20,22 "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy....... and no one will take away your joy"
Psalm 126:6 "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him"
The Disciples' Grief Will Turn to Joy
Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" They kept asking, "What does that mean by a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying.
Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to her child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because her joy that a child has been born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Now I realize just knowing Jesus brings joy to my life. That he sacrificed his life for me, was tortured, and died an agonizing death, for me.
He truly is a great and awsome God.
Till next time..."JJ"