A squeeze of a lemon or lime brightens up a dish or drink. A bite into a grapefruit and you’re hit with a bold tart flavour. When you eat oranges, it’s almost impossible to keep the juices contained. I’ve never tried a pomelo (the largest in the citrus family) but if it’s anything like its relatives, it has a flavour and zest that add brightness to your taste buds.

Joy is something that presents itself with a deep sense of strength and contentment; yet in that deepness, it makes life feel lighter and brighter. That’s why the citrus family came to mind as this month’s physical representation of joy, a spiritual fruit. When you are experiencing true joy, it spills out. Like the juices when eating citrus fruits, it cannot be contained.

The saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, is actually a pretty good representation of joy if you ask me. It’s a feeling that doesn’t depend on circumstances. It’s more of an outlook or posture in life which distinguishes it from happiness that lives more on the surface.

Having joy as someone who believes in God is such a gift because God is unchanging and eternal. Therefore, our joy in the Lord can be unchanging and eternal. If life throws something at us that makes us feel less joyful, it’s not because God changed. It could be because our trust and faith in Him is faltering, or our focus is being diverted. It might be because we were sourcing our joy on a specific blessing He gave us, rather than He who blesses. If we surrender the circumstances to Him and trust His plan, our joy can be restored without the situation changing. This is not easy; it can be hard to feel like you are letting go of control in a situation that feels out of control. It’s not easy to accept that the plan for your life might look different than what you have in your head. But it’s also not easy to live without the foundation of joy from the Lord. It brings Satan joy for us to lack it.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Before Jesus is crucified, He encourages His disciples to remain close to God and to live in a way that represents what He has taught them. He tells them that living in this manner will bear much fruit, and their life will be proof of their discipleship. He says to them:

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

Our lives need not lack joy. If your joy feels diminished, determine its source.