John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came so that we may have a more abundant life, and Romans 14:17 tells us that the Kingdom of God is about living in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

In the previous two devotionals, we examined righteousness and peace. We learned that the righteousness of Christ is expressed through us when we live our lives in line with God's will by his power and not our own. We also learned that for the believer whose trust is in Jesus Christ, there is a peace that passes all understanding and an inner poise and tranquility that exists regardless of circumstances. This peace is not an absence of trouble, but rather a result of trusting God in a way that gives us comfort and courage to face trouble. We will conclude our series by learning how to experience joy in the Holy Spirit.

Joy in the Holy Spirit is an emotion of profound happiness that comes from the Spirit of God. Jesus came to bring joy to the world, especially to those who would believe in Him. Joy produces outward expressions of praise because of a deep inward strength, conviction, and excitement about the blessings of God. Sincere expressions of joy, along with God’s righteousness and peace, are the outward evidence of the abundant life of Christ working within us.

Why is this joy important? The Bible says in James 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”  And, Hebrew 12:2 tells us that “For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame.” Think about the intensity of all that Jesus went through on our behalf, but because of the joy set before Him, He endured it all. There is supernatural strength contained in the joy of the LORD (Nehemiah 8:10).

Joy is important because it gives us strength to face both the difficult moments and also the extreme trials of life. Joy is an outward expression of the internal assurance of God’s ability to see me through. It is the confidence that the challenge I now face is not in vain, but that there are great rewards that await me as a result of my obedience.

I possess joy when I believe that God sees me and intimately knows my needs in every situation. He is with me and on my side, even when circumstances are beyond my control. The Bible assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28), and He is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24). What great happiness and joy to have confidence in his nearness and his promises!

A lack of joy says that I’m not confident that I will make it, and there is no reward for my suffering. You cannot experience the abundant life of Christ and be lacking in joy in the Holy Spirit. The more abundant life is a blessed life!  It is an exciting life and a life that is completely dependent upon the branch - you -  being connected to the Vine - Jesus.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me,

and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

- John 15:6 (NKJV)

How do I experience joy in the Holy Spirit?

• Ask the LORD to fill me with the Holy Spirit
• Seek God’s wisdom to handle trials with joy and hope
• Choose obedience to God’s Word
• Assure myself of His promises, especially during difficult times

As a Kingdom business steward, how do I know I have joy in the Holy Spirit?

• I exemplify the fruit of the Spirit in times of pressure
• I persevere through trials and challenges
• I rejoice in the midst of difficulties
• I choose obedience to God’s instructions no matter the cost

There is no greater time than now to demonstrate the abundant life of Christ to a hurting world. While the world is anxious, angry, and afraid of the current economic and social challenges, Kingdom business stewards should allow those same challenges - limitation of credit, the loss of contracts and clients, the cash flow challenges, health issues, and the reduction in our investments - to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit within and demonstrate the abundant life of Christ to those around us.

Be encouraged to find the strength-giving joy of the Holy Spirit in the midst of trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience and godly character. In times like these, we are challenged to conform to God’s Word as never before.

As we spend more time drawing near to him, we will experience deeper fellowship with him (James 4:8a). As a result, our faith, trust, and joy will increase and mature. We can rejoice, because we know that “our light affliction which is for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

My prayer for you is that the LORD will cause you to walk in a more abundant life this year than ever before; that you will be immune from the ups and downs of the economy; that your business will prosper in the midst of lack. I pray that he will work everything together for your good and that you will always be found in Him.

May He give you wisdom to manage any crisis or challenge that comes your way, and may He prosper the works of your hands. I pray that He will show you favor with your customers, vendors, creditors, and employees.

Above all, I pray that righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit will be the evidence and testimony - to you and others - of the abundant life of Christ working in you and through you.