Joy
is internal and independent of circumstances. It is an act of the
will that produces inner contentment and is consistent and eternal.
Happiness
is external and depends on circumstances. It is an emotional
response and is inconsistent and temporary.
Nehemiah
8:10 (NIV) says
“Nehemiah
said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to
those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do
not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”
The
Lord’s relationship with you gives Him great joy. His joy on the
inside of you will give you strength and encouragement.
Psalm
4:7 (NIV) says “Fill
my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.”
Two
kinds of joy are expressed here. Inward joy that comes from knowing
and trusting God and happiness that comes as a result of pleasant
circumstances. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God,
happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement,
happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting, happiness is
temporary.
Psalm
16:9 (NIV) says
“Therefore
my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest
secure,”
David’s
heart was glad...he had found the secret of joy. True joy is far
deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest
troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external
circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God’s
presence within us.
As
we contemplate God’s daily presence, we will find contentment. As
we understand the future He has for us, we will experience joy.
John
17:13 (NIV) says “I
am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the
world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”
John
15:11 (NIV) says “I
have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may
be complete.”
John
16:24 (NIV) says “Until
now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will
receive, and your joy will be complete.”
Joy
is a common theme in Christ’s teachings...He wants us to be joyful.
The key to immeasurable joy is having an intimate relationship with
Jesus Christ, the source of all joy. When we do, we will experience God’s
special care and protection and see the victory God brings even when
defeat seems inevitable.
Don’t
base your life depending on circumstances...put all your faith and
trust in God and you will experience much joy.
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