GodReflection: Power Words

So I say, walk by the Spirit—the fruit of the Spirit is joy—Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5

I attend a predictable church—not much chance of surprise.

Perhaps, that is not the best when it comes to growth. I’ve notice I grow more like Jesus when forced from my comfort zone.

However, I love the predictability of knowing I have my own church pew.

It’s an unwritten code. Pews are marked mentally in the minds of churchgoers. Everyone knows his or her own pew. Ours is behind the couple with two kids—a four-year old boy and a three-month old baby girl.

My miniature pew tykes are a visual demonstration of Creator endowed joy. It radiates from their little souls. Their joy is a gift of the Creator. As I make funny faces and raise my eyebrows—behind their parent’s backs—pure joy is evident in sparkling eyes and wide full-face smiles.

Somewhere along the way, we adults become too sophisticated to ooze joy.

It is a lost gift indeed.

Like the other eight gifts of the Spirit in Paul’s Galatians list, my own work and determination cannot create nor duplicate the fullness of joy God desires for me to experience.

Its fullness only comes as a gift of the Spirit.

Nor does the Spirit seem to send its ultimate completeness in a gift-wrapped box.  It comes like the scent of fresh cool air with the hint of rain. With each new breath, joy increases overtime in my soul.

It is a gift of the Spirit. It grows from the Spirit.

My attempt to define joy would be something like a smiling trust in God that comes from deep within. It is to know God is in control so there is no need to take myself too seriously.

An inner joy simmers within regardless of circumstances. That deep simmering joy fights its way to the surface to temper life at times of pain, loss, and disappointment.

Such joy only grows from nurture by the Spirit. I can’t create it. I can’t will it.

Here’s the good news. When I walk by the Spirit, as I live by the Spirit, and keep in step with the Spirit, joy become the fruit of the Spirit. The gift, the fruit of joy becomes my possession and God smiles.

Dear Holy God, Whatever happens in my future walk—whether it come in the form of a rich gift or in the form of deep pain—may joy be a powerful gift of the Spirit to see me through. Like my little “pew tykes,” may joy radiate from my soul. I pray through the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Amen—let it be so.

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells – A GodReflection on the Power Word Joy.

Gary@GodReflection.org