Galatians 5:22-23 Joy is a mindset that supplies unlimited strength to accomplish great exploits
Galatians 5:22-23 Joy is a mindset that supplies unlimited strength to accomplish great exploits
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Background
Joy, the fruit of the Spirit, is not a derivative emotion that is affected by circumstances. It is active and potent causing breakthroughs resulting in favourable circumstances. As a man grows in the Spirit, he also grows in experiencing various heights of joy… from the joy of sonship to the joy of eternal life. Today’s devotion teaches us: Joy is a mindset that supplies unlimited strength to accomplish great exploits.
Observation
But the fruit of the Spirit is… joy.
Joy (chara in Greek) is not merely an emotion but a state of being—an enduring virtue of Christ that produces strength, optimism, and spiritual vitality. Happiness, by contrast, is a derivative emotion dependent on favorable circumstances and fades when conditions change. Joy is not shaped by circumstances; it shapes them. It is active and potent, producing breakthroughs that lead to favorable outcomes.
As one grows in the Spirit, joy deepens and matures through distinct expressions: the joy of sonship, obedience, sanctification, and finally, eternal life.
Joy of sonship
When the disciples returned rejoicing over their authority, Jesus redirected their joy:
“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” — Luke 10:19–20
Jesus corrected a results-driven confidence and grounded their joy in identity. True joy flows from knowing who we are—sons of God, seated with Christ and appointed to reign with Him. This joy anchors us against worldly validation and guards us from seeking affirmation elsewhere.
Joy of obedience
The joy of obedience arises from abiding in God’s love and walking in His will. It belongs to those who enter the narrow gate, surrender all to God, and place obedience above self-interest. This joy sustains us through hardship and routine alike. Jesus taught,
“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love… so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” — John 15:10–11
Obedience vindicates our relationship with God. As we walk in His will, the joy of obedience fills us and confirms us as His sons.
Joy of sanctification
The joy of sanctification emerges through trials. As faith is tested, endurance grows, and we mature in wisdom, grace, and authority. Progress in character and spiritual capacity brings deep satisfaction. James writes,
“Consider it all joy… when you encounter various trials… so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” — James 1:2–4
Sanctification involves suffering, yet it produces joy even amid sorrow. As Paul describes it, we are “sorrowful yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
Joy of eternal life
The joy of eternal life is rooted in future glory and reward. The anticipation of God’s commendation enables believers to endure present suffering. On the eve of His arrest, Jesus assured His disciples,
“Your grief will be turned into joy… and no one will take your joy away from you.” — John 16:20–22
Though sorrow may endure for a time, it is eclipsed by the hope of seeing Christ again. Jesus promises,
“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me.” — Revelation 22:12
Thus, in seasons of prolonged hardship, believers endure with joy, knowing that suffering is temporary and that Christ will soon return to reward the righteous and establish justice.
Truth
A believer grows by moving up one level of joy to the next.
A believer’s spiritual maturity is not measured by the number of years he has been a Christian, nor by his biblical knowledge or church position. A one-year believer may surpass a ten-year believer in virtue, wisdom, and authority. True maturity is revealed by what a believer takes joy in.
As illustrated in the four levels of joy, each level forms the foundation for the next, culminating in the joy of eternal life. Growth in Christ is marked by a transformation of joy.
A new believer rejoices in his identity as a child of God. He delights in God’s love, protection, and provision, yet may remain largely unaware of God’s will, relying instead on personal reasoning.
A young believer, having learned the truth of God’s word, begins to obey it. His joy is no longer limited to sonship; he now finds satisfaction in obedience. He rejoices in aligning his life with God’s directives.
An adult believer is distinguished by his response to suffering. While a young believer may struggle with injustice despite obedience, an adult believer rejoices in trials, understanding that sanctification is necessary for perfection. He embraces hardship as a means of transformation.
A mature believer takes joy in fulfilling his divine calling. The joy of eternal life sustains him through suffering and sacrifice. This was the joy that propelled Paul through relentless trials, as he looked forward to the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8). It is the highest form of joy, belonging to those who willingly carry the cross to bless the world.
Jesus Himself endured the cross for the joy set before Him—the joy of eternal life and completed obedience (Hebrews 12:2).
Joy is a mindset that supplies unlimited strength to accomplish great exploits
Joy is the fruit of the Spirit that empowers believers to persevere and to accomplish God’s purposes. Obedience produces joy, and joy releases strength.
In Nehemiah 8, when the people heard the Law after returning from exile, they wept in repentance. Yet their sorrow turned to joy as they committed themselves to obedience, and Nehemiah declared, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy restored their strength and enabled national renewal.
True joy cannot be manufactured through emotional stimulation, testimonies, or worship experiences. It does not arise from favorable circumstances or motivational moments, but from repentance, quiet obedience, and love for God.
Even faithful believers may feel discouraged when their labor seems unrewarded. Yet Jesus maintained His joy despite betrayal and abandonment because His joy flowed from unwavering obedience to the Father’s will. When we commit ourselves wholly to loving God and obeying Him, no one can rob us of our joy or strength.
A lack of joy, therefore, is ultimately rooted in a lack of trust, obedience, and vision.
Applications
Are you frequently being pressured by others to fulfil their agenda? Rejoice for your name is written in heaven and you are given divine authority to accomplish your calling. Seek to understand your purpose and calling. Prepare yourself to walk on the narrow path and fulfil your calling. You will begin to grow into the joy of obedience.
Are you frequently downcast because your efforts do not bear fruit as you expect? Rejoice not because of your achievements, but rather that you have walked in obedience to God’s will. The question that you should be asking is: have you done what is right and to your level best?
Are you despaired because of the injustice and mistreatment you have been enduring? Take stock of the fruit of righteousness that you will be bearing through this difficult period. Rejoice that you have become wiser and more virtuous in the process and God is preparing you for greater tasks ahead.
Are you feeling the fatigue because the years of sacrifice and hard work? Remind yourself of the blessing that your work will bring to future generations… And the commendation that you will receive from God for a job well done, and for a life well lived.
Dear Lord, I rejoice as I am reminded of who I am as your son. I rejoice as I endeavour to walk in your truth and do your will. I rejoice in trials and injustices because I am being perfected. I rejoice as I am running towards the finishing line and receive your commendation. Even as I rejoice, supply me with divine strength so that I may accomplish great exploits. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.