THE FRUIT OF JOY

*Theme scripture*
_Ps.5.11 – But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee._

*THE FRUIT OF JOY*
In all kinds of situations, release from stress this can lead to smiles, joy rejoicing and celebration.

Would you be surprised to know that some variation of “Be happy” is one of the most common instructions to us in God’s Word? While a search of the Bible may not always turn up the word “happy,” when we add the instructions to be glad, to rejoice, and to be joyful, we realize that this command does occur quite often in Scripture. Even in a lovely song “it is well with my soul ,” is a reflection of this common theme in God’s Word.

What a remarkable blessing it is that God not only commands us to be joyful but also produces joy in us by his Spirit.

The Spirit produces joy in the lives of his people not only when they are surrounded by “happy” circumstances. Even while chained in prison, Paul and Silas were able to sing with joy (see Acts 16:25-34). People who walk by the Spirit can find joy in all circumstances.

*Further study*
Isaiah 61:7
Acts 16:25-34

*Nugget*
People who walk by the Spirit can find joy in all circumstances.

*Prayer*
Holy Spirit, we thank you not only for calling us to rejoice in the Lord always, but also for producing that joy in our lives through your presence, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
10/10/23, 7:56 AM – +256 772 799366: Further study

Isa.61.7 – For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

Acts.16.25 – And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Acts.16.26 – And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

Acts.16.27 – And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

Acts.16.28 – But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Acts.16.29 – Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

Acts.16.30 – And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Acts.16.31 – And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts.16.32 – And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

Acts.16.33 – And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Acts.16.34 – And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.