Thursday, August 7, 2008

JOY

What is joy? Is it happiness or something more? Does being happy mean I am joyful? I believe that joy is totally different from happiness. Joy is much deeper and meaningful. It is God given. I think happiness is an emotion that those who don't know Christ strive to find. We aren't always going to be happy. I don't think that is what God intended. I do believe He wants us to feel joyful. He has given us proof of that is His Word. In the New International Version of the Bible the word joy can be found 217 times!

The Merriam Webster Online Dictionary defines JOY in this way- to experience great pleasure of delight; to rejoice

"Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O LORD, I lift up my soul." Psalm 86:4

Our LORD wants us to rejoice and be glad. Only when we lift our souls up to Him can we feel the joy He wants to fill our hearts and lives with.

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music." Psalm 98:4

When I read this verse it reminds me of the beauty of nature. Even the very earth, which God created, sings to Him. The flowers shout for joy with their brilliant scents, colors and intricate petals. The birds praise Him with their beautiful, individual songs. The sky and clouds give Him glory through their rich color and beauty . The freshness of a breeze reminds us of his gentleness. And the sun warms us like God's everlasting love.

"Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." Psalm 97:11

This verse really speaks to me. If I have an upright heart I will feel joy. Living for the Lord, glorifying Him with my life, serving Him, loving Him, all of these acts will fill me with great pleasure and delight.
In a word- JOY!

For more inspirational words visit Celly B at Busy at Home

4 comments:

  1. What a great post on the difference between happiness and joy. This is so true!
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Joy is definitely MUCH deeper AND wider than happiness. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amen, Jenn!

    I also love Psalm 45:7, "You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." (See also Hebrews 1:9)

    Happiness, I think is conditional, but JOY is unconditional!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello~ I'm back in town and checked my emails still no addy from you.

    mkneese@stx.rr.com

    or

    titus2v4and5@yahoo.com

    Try again please as I am wanting to get you your gift :D

    ReplyDelete

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