40 Days Pondering the Fruit of the Spirit

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days PONDERING the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Day 23 | Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days PONDERING the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Day 21 | NO LAW AGAINST THESE THINGS
FILLED WITH JOY

Romans 15:13
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”


Most Christians – and perhaps most non-Christians – seem to believe that being a Christian and being happy (aka full of joy) are not compatible. Many see our faith as primarily a list of “do’s and don’ts” whereas most people just want to be happy.

This is unfortunate because our life is NOT primarily about a “list.” And, sadly, this attitude causes many Believers to live under the umbrella of FEAR and GUILT instead of under the banner of FAITH and FREEDOM in Christ.

Additionally, many Believers read this verse in Romans (and the MANY other similar verses in Scripture) and don’t take the time to ponder WHAT the Apostle Paul (under the influence of the Holy Spirit) is saying to us.

In today’s verse, God is trying to tell us – His Children – that by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, we can become FILLED with all JOY and PEACE and HOPE!

Let me ask you… when was the last time YOU felt FILLED with JOY?

Conversely, let me ask… have you felt full of FEAR anytime recently?

I’ll bet if I were to ask those two questions in a “man on the street” type interview, the number who have experienced feeling FULL of FEAR would far outnumber those who have felt FULL of JOY.

Why is that the case… even with Believers?

Because our natural state of mind is negative, we tend to expect the WORST to happen and not the BEST. We tend to lean into FEAR and not into FAITH.

Re-read today’s verse from Romans and receive it as a prayer of blessing from the Holy Spirit, through Paul, to us – YOU and me! Expect today to experience and ponder many things which bring you JOY!

Prayer: Lord, I receive this benediction from the Apostle Paul today. Open my eyes to ALL the opportunities to feel the JOY You are bringing my way today! Amen.