Joy is a gift from God. The Greek word chara means joy and delight. Mirriam-Webster defines joy as the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. All circumstances can change rapidly in this life and by definition so would our joy. However, there is JOY EVERLASTING, through our faith in Christ and His gift of the Holy Spirit. 

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”     

Ephesians 1:13  “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,” 

The Holy Spirit that indwells His people provides joy in this life and the life hereafter.  

Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faitfulness.”    

This joy now focused on what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit has done for us, redeeming us to a relationship with a Holy God. Circumstances need not alter our joy. We just have to actively choose to be joyful. God allows these trials to build perseverance in our faith.  

James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” 

Psalm 37:4 “Take delight in the Lord, 
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.” 

I have examined my own life and wonder if at times we can lose our joy. Our emotions will have a negative impact on our joy when we sin. The remedy for sin is repentance and with a step of repentance we can take another step of faith. This process needs to be repeated often in this life. The absolute great news is that God is faithful and we can experience great joy that we share with others. Just take another step as He directs you. 

Phillipians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” 

Greg Lymberopoulos 

President 

LivRite Fitness