Contrary to the cliche, the world does, in fact, give joy. If that weren’t the case, sin and selfish living would have no appeal whatsoever. But there is a major difference between the joy that the world gives and the joy that the Holy Spirit gives. The joy that the world gives fades quickly, but the joy that the Holy Spirit gives is everlasting.

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. (Romans 14:17, NLT)

Some find joy in only their money. Some find joy in only their accomplishments. Some find joy in only the things which are offered by the world. But you and I find joy in the Holy Spirit.

Because our joy is rooted in the Eternal Spirit, our joy lasts. When you find your joy in that which is temporary, the joy itself is temporary. For nothing can outlast its source. The things of the world fade, change, and become uncertain. But the Holy Spirit never leaves us, never changes, and is never unreliable.

Chaos can stir all around you. Tragedy can catch you off guard. Difficulties can test your faith. But in every moment, in every circumstance, you and I can be joyful.

The Spirit-filled believer isn’t dull and lifeless. The Christian doesn’t have to be stoic and cynical. For from the believer bursts a joy that can dissolve the heaviness in any atmosphere. On the believer rests a divine light, a spiritual, life-giving magnetism - it is the everlasting joy of the Holy Spirit.

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