Who Are You Trusting? (Galatians 5:22)

What happened to your joy?

Paul wrote Galatians to people who had slipped back from grace into law-keeping. In 4:15 he asks them where their blessedness went. Grace and joy go together, and neither can be manufactured.

The real question

Happiness depends on what's happening. Joy depends on whom you trust. That's how Paul and Silas could sing in a prison cell at midnight. DeWayne also points to James: count it all joy when you face trials, and expect more of them after you follow Christ, because now the enemy cares about you.

Outside God's will

Someone asked what happens to joy when we go against God's will. DeWayne's answer: it leaves, because you've stopped trusting Him. Paul never wanted to be in prison, but he stayed in God's will there, so he kept his joy.

Fruit is for others

An apple tree doesn't eat its own apples. The joy God grows in you is meant for the people around you.

Try this

• When your mood drops today, ask yourself who you're trusting right now.
• Read Acts 16:22-34 and notice when the singing happens.