Where does Joy come from? Is it a choice?

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Is it a gift of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,…

Scriptures says that it is a choice and it is a gift. So often though, we forget that our joy comes from obedience, as well. In some of the worst circumstances I have felt a surprising joy. It didn’t make sense to be happy, and I wasn’t trying to be happy. I just felt peace and joy, because I knew I did what God wanted me to do. Even when the result of obeying was persecution, the joy that followed was more than I could ever have imagined

John 15:11

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

Psalms 119:35

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

 1 Thessalonians 1:6

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit

So often though, we forget that our joy comes from obedience.

Even Jesus’ obedience resulted in His joy.

Hebrews 12:2

…For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 How often do I miss the Joy of the Lord, because I’m not obeying the Lord?