Joy is “a source or cause of great happiness : something or someone that gives joy to someone,” according to Webster’s Dictionary.
What is Joy?
Joy is something I strive for.
It’s internal. I don’t think I can experience it outside of Christ.
Unlike happiness, which seems to be derived from external things, joy can’t be taken. It’s how I feel inside because of who I am, who my maker is, and my constant awareness of how blessed I truly am.
It’s a feeling of gratefulness that Christ died for my sins. It’s the assurance that my life will be good… in spite of all the problems that will come my way.
It’s one of the fruits of the spirit.
I may go to bed in despair, but Joy comes in the morning.
How to Have Joy In Spite of It All
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” -Psalm 28:7, New International Version (NIV)
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30: 5, Amplified Bible
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” –Galatians 5:22-23, New International Version (NIV)
“See I just don’t want you to be happy ’cause you gotta have something happening. I want you to have joy ’cause can’t nobody take that away from you. I see you… SMILE!!” -Kirk Franklin, “I Smile”
What does JOY mean to you?
This post is linked to Five Minute Friday. A group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write without worrying if it’s just right gather to share what five minutes buys them. Just five minutes.
Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt
