June 15
Read: Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).
The Fruit Of The Spirit Is Joy
- E. Sangster tells how Dr. Farmer, organist at Harrow, pleaded with the Salvation Army drummer not to hit the drum so hard. To which the beaming bandsman replied: “Lor’ bless you, sir, since I’ve been converted I’m so ‘appy, I could bust the blooming drum.”
“The fruit of the Spirit is… joy,” and they who are filled with the Spirit may rightfully expect a large harvest. In the Psalms, God says of Jerusalem, “I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy” (132:15-16). Isaiah reminds us that it is those who travel “the way of holiness” who shall “come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads” (35:8, 10).
The truth that is hinted in the Old Testament is made explicit in the New. It was in the opening of His earnest petition for the sanctification of the disciples that Jesus prayed: “And now come I to thee… that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves” (John 17:13). Paul reminds us that our joy in the kingdom of God is “joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).
The fountain of Christian gladness has its source in God. It is when we are most sure of Him that this fountain bubbles up in utter contentment. I am glad today that I have given myself wholly to God. Even now I feel the joy of HIS presence. I join with Floyd Hawkins in his glad testimony:
Oh, I have found it, the Crystal Fountain Where all my soul’s deep needs have been supplied, So freely flowing from Calv’ry’s mountain, And now my soul is fully satisfied.*
— Floyd Hawkins
*Copyright 1952 by Lillenas Publishing Co. International Copyright