For Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
Holy Spirit,
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When I confuse happiness with joy, help me to discern the difference. Happiness is tied to my situation or to certain circumstances, which may be positive or negative. Joy however, is constant, because Jesus’ love and forgiveness are constant and unconditional.
Therefore, even after a bad day at work, I still have joy. Even when a relationship goes sour, I still have joy. Even when I receive bad news, I can take it in stride because I still have joy. When my team loses, when I forget something important, when others are inconsiderate – when anything in life happens, good or bad, I still have joy, because I still have you, Jesus. Fill my heart with the faith both to know that joy and to feel it daily.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.