A Joyful Spirit

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Paul says, "Rejoice always." It is a command. But what does it mean? It means just what it says—never cease rejoicing. As a Christian, you are to have a constant joyfulness about you. As impossible as this may seem on the surface, a full understanding of what Scripture teaches concerning joy in the life of Christians can make this experience a reality in your life.

The New Testament continually stresses joy—not a self-generated joy, but joy that comes directly from the Holy Spirit who indwells us. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Joy is the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in your life when you let Him guide and control you daily.

The phrase translated "rejoice always" (v. 16), literally reads, "at all times be rejoicing." The idea is that you can experience and express joy continually because of your deep-seated confidence in God's love and power. You might call this "joy of faith," which is certain both of salvation in Christ and glorification to spend eternity with Him in heaven.

The New Testament church permeated with a spirit of joy. Just read through the Book of Acts and you will see this clearly, especially in Acts 2:42-47. There, verses 46-47 concludes, "Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Throughout the Book of Acts, the believers are not dampened by affliction. In the midst of sadness and persecution, joy gives proof of its power. They suffer together and they are glorified together. It is all based on the glorious purposes of God. That is why James can say, "count it all joy" when encountering "various trials" (James 1:2). It is all based on God and His work in your life.

You are to have a joyful spirit about you at all times. Remember what God has done for you, and you will "rejoice always" (1 Thess. 5:16). Walk daily by faith, letting the Spirit of Christ within you give you His joy, and you will have a joyful spirit for all to see. Amen.