Galatians 5 22-13: << But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. >>

And if this week we talk about JOY.
First of all, I want to clarify something, I am not talking about happiness but joy, for there is a difference between both concepts.
Happiness is a natural and circumstance-dependent feeling. It is what we feel when something good happens to us. We all may have experienced it; after we have passed an exam, received money, achieve something.
But Joy is supernatural, given by God to His people. Joy is God’s confirmation to your soul of His faithfulness in your life. And contrarily to happiness it is not circumstances-dependent; whether or not your life looks like what He has promised you, no matter what people says, the Joy of the Lord will keep you. It is a constant state of mind.
Let me add this before I continue, it cannot be stolen from you directly by the enemy, but what He can do is that he will send circumstances and people that will make you focus no more on God and His faithfulness but in what you live.

You may say: « But didn’t you just say that it is not circumstances-dependent? Yes, it is not, but it is a constant state of mind. Joy it is not something that God gives you once, and that’s all, you will feel joy for the rest of your life no matter what. NO, you have to be refilled.

John 15v11: << These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. >>
To back up the story, Jesus was explaining them that the “fullness of joy” comes to those who continue in the love of Christ and obey Him. That’s also means, you can have it half.
Another example, is with the psalmist David, we all know that he is the man after God’s heart, a lover of the Lord. One would have thought that he lived in constant peace and joy, but no, he also had moments of weakness, where his soul was in distress, but each time he did something special.

Psalm 42: 5: << Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. >>

Psalm 103v 1-2: << Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: >>

Psalms 35v9: << And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation. >>

You know every time I read the book of psalms I am always amazed the way he talks to God, I used to think he was a sweet talker(in a good way). Even in the midst of problem, He was never complaining, the way, He was putting Himself in a state of praise; exposing his situation to God, but at the same time reminding God of how mighty, faithful and good God is through Praise.
Praise was David’s way of refilling or replenishing himself with the Joy of God.

Therefore we can understand that joy is linked with Praise. There is a no praise without Joy.
Praise is not about dancing, and praise is telling what God has done, but also rejoicing in the Lord. Praise the Lord always.

We can talk about replenishing or cultivating joy. Let’s not forget is a fruit of the Spirit; and as such, must be cultivated. Galatians 5v22-23.

I will end with this, I pray that you may experience the marvelous Joy of God be the strength that will keep you whatever you will going through.

Nehemiah 8v10: << Nehemiah said, “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. ”>>