Rescued by Joy

The fruit of the Spirit is…joy….

Galatians 5:22-23 

I prefer to view life from a glass half-full perspective. However, after years of living with a narcissist, I realized I was seeing the glass as half-empty.  My optimism faded, drained by long-term stress from my inability to please my narcissistic spouse. I ached for joy to rescue me, but, instead, I entered a season of deep grief. During that period of grieving, I was surprised to discover brief moments of joy breaking through in unexpected ways.   

Paul writes in Galatians that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23b). Because the Holy Spirit lives within me, He actively births the joy I desperately seek when circumstances are less than joyful.

However, these flickers of joy differ from happiness. I found I must slow my pace for moments of delight to interrupt grief—such as the marvel of a spiderweb suspending a leaf for its dance with the gentle breeze. A friend’s voice, the laughter of a child, or a radiant sunset soften my grief and energize the work of healing.

Father, thank You for providing the gift of joy. I marvel that grief and joy can coexist. I love to imagine the sound of Your Son’s laughter while playing with His younger brothers and sisters. I look forward to laughing with both of You one day in the new heaven and new earth where joy will be ever present. I look forward to the future moments when You continue to encourage me with the joy of life in You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray, amen. 

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