Joy, one of the nine fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV), is a condition of the heart. It is not a result of some external happiness. The Greek word for joy is chara. It describes a feeling of inner gladness, delight, or rejoicing. In the New Testament, joy is almost always used to show a feeling of “happiness” that is based on our spiritual realities—not dependent on what is happening around us. 

Joy is a natural reaction to God’s promised or fulfilled work. We receive this joy when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. The greatest reason to feel joyful is the realization that God loves us with unconditional love. He wants us to accept His gift of salvation and join His family for eternity. Luke 15:7 (ESV) tells us of the great joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents. 

In John 15:11 (NIV), Jesus says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Our relationship with Jesus is the source of our joy. The joy of daily living with Jesus Christ will not be extinguished, no matter how high or low our circumstances.