It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we experience the joy of salvation and are enabled to rejoice even in the midst of trials.
Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness, page 113
I sometimes forget the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian rebirth since many of the fruits of the Spirit I can fake for a short while with my own efforts. Trusting too much in my own efforts leads me to doubt that there even is a Holy Spirit.
Joy is a fruit that is difficult to fake. True, I can smile when events or emotions challenge me, but people looking closely see through it.
What this tells me is there is more going on to make joy possible than my own efforts. Although I might be tempted to refuse to participate in the working of the Holy Spirit, the more I let the Holy Spirit work in me the less I am persuaded to work against Him.
And yet there are many times when circumstances seem overwhelming. Imagine the despair the Israelites felt trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. And yet God was there for them. Or, imagine what Hagar felt in the desert before God spoke to her. But then He spoke.
Weekly Parashah Readings
Parashah: Ki Tisa 18 Adar, 5782 – February 19, 2022
Torah: Exodus 30:11-34:35
Haftarah: Kings I 18:20-39
Brit Chadashah: 2 Corinthians 3:1-18
Resources: Chabad, Hebrew4Christians, Weekly Torah Readings, Calendar
Poetry, Short Prose and Walking 
I too forget about the power of the Holy Spirit. That is not a good thing. You are right. The fruit of the Holy Spirit cannot be faked. Thanks for the great reminder. May I depend on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings. Great Sunday Walk.
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May we all depend on the Holy Spirit and be aware of His presence. Thank you and blessings, Michael!
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Wow. Thank you. You’re right.
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Thank you, Chel! I am grateful to Jerry Bridges for the idea.
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It’s funny, we had a sermon on that today. Food for thought!
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I think Jerry Bridges’ book is like a collection of sermons, but I am not sure. May we all rejoice!
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Great quote, Frank!!!! Part of Pastor Keith’s sermon today focused on Christian joy. Thank you for this! Blessings to you and your family!!!
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Thank you and blessings, Mandy! May we all experience this joy coming from the Holy Spirit.
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This is a fine post!!
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Thank you, Zelda!
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Welcome.
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Encouraging reminder to remember, rely and rejoice in the Spirit for our sanctification
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We need to rejoice in the Spirit. Thank you, Jim!
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Amen with the need to rejoice
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Good stuff, as usual. 🙂 🕊 I like what you say here: “The more I let the Holy Spirit work in me the less I am persuaded to work against Him.” That is very true!
Also, I’m glad you mentioned Hagar. It reminded me of a poem I wrote a long time ago. It’s near the top of my blog if you want to read it. 🙂
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I just saw your poem on Hagar. The last two lines are a beautiful response to the lines describing darkness that preceded them:
“And in the midst of these anxieties God sees:
I sob in God’s arms. Call me Hagar tonight.” https://revivedwriter.wordpress.com/2017/04/15/call-me-hagar/
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