Joy
1 Peter 1:8 - Though you have not seen Him you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
These words of Peter tell us what God gives to us in times of trial - inexpressible and glorious joy. The King James calls it "joy unspeakable and full of glory". Indeed, this joy should be the hallmark of the Christian life. This does not mean that we are always to have a happy mood. We are also told to "weep with those who weep". But the default position for the Christian is the joy of the Lord as our strength. And this is only possible through relying on the Holy Spirit, as joy. Is the fruit of the Spirit.
(Published on August 6, 2015 but being moved from its previous location to this blog now.)