October 2, 2026

Joy Cometh in the Morning

 The second Fruit of the Spirit listed in Scripture is Joy.  Imagine feeling joy when you wake up, when you are in heavy traffic, or long grocery store lines.  In Psalm 5:11, we read, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

How do we define joy?  What is it?  Joy is that knowledge we have that we serve a mighty God.  He can and will watch over us, protect us, and warn us when it is time to change course or move on from a relationship.  Joy is defined as: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.  All fruits of the Spirit are intended to improve our lives, make us productive and enhance the Kingdom of God.

All of us encounter stressful situations once in a while.  Isn’t it great when a person can take charge, remain hopeful and prayerful, and keep fear and anxiety at bay.  Joy operates exactly that way.  Joy is the opposite of judgment. Where judgment focuses on negativity and doom, joy reminds us God is walking beside us and He is encouraging us to pursue victory.  Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Joy is the fruit that allows us to stand in absolute confidence in the face of debt, lost jobs or family issues.  Joy blinds us to an enemy’s powers because we remain illuminated by God’s loving protection.  Choose joy!

Oh Lord, thank You for lighting my life with joy.  As I love others as I love myself, I am quick to see how joy adds to every relationship.  Joy reminds us we have nothing to fear except fear itself.  Lord, You created the universe.  You made the stars, the moon and You lit up our days with the bright warm sun. You walk with us beside the still waters. We are blessed with sunrises, sunsets, and miracle views of nature.  Animals delight us daily.  Thank You, Lord, for endless joy.

…but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.  Luke 2:10

Jesus’ Prayer of Thanksgiving

At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. Luke 10:21