In John 15, Jesus taught us about the vital union between Himself and the believer, saying that He is the vine and we are the branches. Living in the reality of this union results in spiritual fruitfulness. John 15:5 says that without Him, we can do nothing. John 15:11 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Joy should characterize the believer. Galatians 5:22 says that joy is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. Joy is distinct from happiness in that joy is sustained despite circumstances, but joy and happiness generally travel together. The believer’s joy and happiness are not rooted in mere circumstances because we trust God’s sovereign purpose in our circumstances. We live by faith. Joy and happiness are critical subjects because we make decisions based on what makes us happy. For the believer, living our lives in a way that pleases God should also make us happy. God is glorified when His children live in the fullness of joy.
This does not mean that we do not have bad days. Rejoicing in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4) and exhibiting joy as the fruit of the Spirit does not require us to ignore the hard things that happen. Ecclesiastes 3:4 says that there is, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” The person who enjoys exercise still experiences the pain of fatigue and soreness. The person who enjoys gardening does not enjoy pulling weeds. The joy is bigger than and overwhelms the drawbacks. Believers are not exempt from life’s troubles and struggles. Christians experience loneliness and betrayal and sickness and need and bereavement. We have been born again out of what Ephesians 4:22 describes as the old man which had its deceitful desires. We are born again to a renewed mind of righteousness and holiness to higher desires and joys and happiness. The joy, the happiness that we have continues on because it is bigger than and overcomes the drawbacks and troubles that we face in life. We live in joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8).
