Fruits of the Spirit: LESSON 2 PART 4 – Joy (Psalm 33:3)

Fruits of the Spirit: LESSON 2 PART 4 – Joy (Psalm 33:3)

LESSON: JOY – How do we express our joy?

Memory Verse:

”Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” – Psalm 33:3

Lesson Presentation:

There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is something we experience for a moment and is often short lived. Joy is eternal. It comes only as a result of living a life of praise. Praise comes as a result of a heart that is overflowing with joy — it teaches us to be joyful and thankful regardless of our circumstances. It prepares us for God’s service and helps us to see beyond our present circumstances to the immense possibilities that are ours through faith in Jesus Christ.[i]

The Bible teaches 7 types of praise. This praise can happen at home, work, in the car or during the worship service. Praise is a very important part of our relationship with God.  God inhabits our praise and we should not be shy in our praise, for our praise glorifies God.[ii]

1. Yadah (yaw-daw’) – This is the demonstration of our love and submission to the Lord by the raising of our hands.  Lifting your hands to the Lord in total submission and devotion. It’s like a child extending his hands high above their heads with a desire to be held.[iii]
2. Towdah (to-daw’) – This is the sacrifice of praise.  Praising the Lord, even if you don’t feel like praising the Lord.  Praising the Lord even though you are going through many trials in your life.  Lifting up your hand as an offering of praise.
3. Barak (baw-rak’) – This means to bow or kneel down humbly before the Lord.  To be completely overwhelmed by His majesty and bow at His feet in submission and honor to the Lord.
4. Tehillah (tel-hil-law’) – This one is the best.  It is the combination of singing, shouting, dancing, clapping and rejoicing before the Lord. It’s spontaneous singing straight from our hearts to God.
5. Zamar (zaw-mar’) – It’s celebrating in song and music, playing any instrument for the glory of God.
6. Halal (haw-lal’) – This means to be so full of enthusiasm of the wonders of the Lord that you express it in dancing and laughing and twirling before the Lord without caring what other people say.
7. Shabach (Shaw-bakh’) – This means to shout.  Praise to the Lord given in the form of a shout. Lifting your voice unto the Lord, giving praise for what He has done and what He is going to do.