What Joy!

We just completed Halloween. I was sitting with a group of adults recently and they were reminiscing about their days of glory when they were trick or treat warriors in their youthful days.

The joy of remembering was very evident. Their memories were sharp. Telling the stories brought pure delight.

Everyone knew who gave the best candy in their neighborhood. There was a strategy to fill your bag with the best offerings.

One person mentioned they stayed away from the dentist who lived in the neighborhood. He gave out toothbrushes.

Now I trick or treat watching my grandchildren. I will never forget the look of utter disbelief and sheer delight when the candies dropped in a granddaughter’s bag at the first stop. She turned to me and said, "This is for me? I can keep this?” I said yes. She sprinted to the next several houses until we called a stop to the evening.

How about you? Take a minute to reminisce about your Halloween trick or treat memories.

While trick or treating is a night of fun, is it possible to have joy as an adult? The Bible says so.

John 15:11, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow.”

John 16:22 Jesus is saying, “I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.”

How is this possible when happiness is given and destroyed: when life is full of catastrophes, challenges, and unwelcome changes? What kind of joy is possible during devastating sorrow and huge loss?

The Bible answers that as well.

Acts 13:52 “And the believers were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”

Pastor Kevin Klingbiel even mentioned this joy found in the book of Acts in is his first sermon.

Luke 10:21 “At that same time, Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 14:17 “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Paul says it really succinctly in Philippians 4:4, “Always be full of the joy in the Lord.”

Our joy comes from walking in company of Jesus. Christian joy is a deep, supernatural happiness rooted in faith and God's presence, not in circumstances. It is considered a fruit of the Holy Spirit that allows Christians to have joy even amidst suffering, because their ultimate hope is in Jesus and a future glory with God. Unlike worldly happiness, which is conditional, Christian joy is enduring and can coexist with negative emotions like sorrow and grief, as it is not dependent on one's feelings but on the unchanging reality of God. Joy is meant to be a hallmark of the Christian life. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and a gift of God.

We best receive this gift when we focus on the truth of who God is, commune with Him through prayer, and enjoy the community of believers He has provided.

Kids get gift of candy- we get the gift of God’s love and joy.