Filled with the Spirit: Joy

2024-07-11

The filling of the Holy Spirit results in praise and joy.

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:41-42). Elisabeth was filled with joy when her cousin arrived with the Savior in her womb.

“And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:67-68). Zacharias praised the Lord after the birth of his son, also recognizing the Lord’s salvation.

“And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 13:52). Even after some persecution, the believers in Pisidian Antioch were “filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.” Joy and the Spirit are inextricably connected. The Thessalonians had a similar experience. “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:18-19). Drunkenness might bring joy to the flesh, maybe. But our source of joy comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. Praising God is also a part of being filled with joy and the Spirit.

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). The Spirit produces praises, and He dwells amid the praises of His people. True worship can only come from Him.

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). A major part of the kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Ghost.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13). Joy, peace, and hope accompany the power of the Holy Spirit.