The Pun
The Prayer
Some time ago, I decided to systematically progress through the spiritual fruits as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, spending as much time as needed on each to feel I had gained some mastery in producing such fruit. I have been stuck on joy for a few years now. Not that I would say I have mastered the discipline of loving others nor am I completely joyless, nor have I ignored progressing in the other fruits. I have simply found that I have a particularly difficult time bearing this fruit in every season.
I have had difficult situations which were not joy inducing, medications that cause severe mood side effects, and periods of extended pain and seclusion that created an arid climate for growing the lush fruit of joy. I am currently experiencing some level of all these things and feel a need to recount some lessons I have learned already in order to double down in effort to be fruitful in this season.
Lesson 1: Consistent Joy Is Not Impossible
Sometimes I want to wait for a wave of desperation to pass before attempting to produce the fruit of joy. But I have learned that the possibility of consistent joy in every season is a possibility, otherwise God would not have expected it of us. It is possible because spiritual joy is a reaction to the Lord himself and He is consistent in all His good ways:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“Rejoice at all times.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
Lesson 2: Consistent Joy Is Not Dependent on Emotions
I have tried before to smile when I was not happy. I have tried to stand in worship and lift my hands when I was too weak to do so. I have learned that increasing in joy is not the result of lifting my emotional leaves up, but of growing my spiritual roots deeper in Christ:
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.” (Psalms 1:2-3)
“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Lesson 3: Consistent Joy Is Not About Trying Harder
I have tried to plan for a situation that would make my desires possible. I have tried hard and fallen flat. I have learned that gaining joy is not so much the result of the labor of intensely pursuing a desire but the result of precisely choosing the right thing to delight in:
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalms 37:4)
Lesson 4: Consistent Joy Is Not About the Present Only
I have become overwhelmed by the undesirable nature of the present situation and forgotten the good that God has done and will do again. I have learned that there is a rich treasure trove of delight to be found in remembering:
“Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,” (Psalms 105:5)
Lesson 5: Consistent Joy Is Not About Escaping
I have asked for the cup to pass from me. I have deeply desired to escape if there would be a way. But I have learned that joy can grow out of suffering, not because of the suffering, but because of what the suffering will produce:
There are days, days like today, When my leaves feel withered, But my roots can reach deeper, I may still draw nearer to God. Today I can doggedly, defiantly rejoice As I experience the persevering love of God. And as joy springs up, I may begin to hope Because my joy is no longer subject to circumstances. Now I am not just someone who rejoices, I am a rejoicer. It is who I am. Suffering has again melted and reforged the chain That ties my joy exclusively to God’s love for me. It is a joy that will not wither For it is a love that will not let me go.
“Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)