Joy
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
-- John 15:11
Joy is one of the more misunderstood parts of the Christian life. Often the word joy is used interchangeably with happiness. But in the Word of God joy and happiness are two different things. Happiness is a response to the favorable situations, conditions and circumstances around us. When those things change for the worse, we are then unhappy.
Joy is far different. Joy is an inner peace and quality; true joy is independent of external circumstances. Joy focuses on God, not self! “This joy rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God. For example, the psalmist rejoices over God’s righteousness (71:14–16), salvation (21:1; 71:23), mercy (31:7), creation (148:5), Word (119:14, 119:162), and faithfulness (33:1–6). God’s characteristics as well as His acts are the cause of rejoicing.” (From Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
Even in trying times of great sorrow (2 Cor. 6:10) and great trials and tribulations (2 Cor. 7:4) we can have joy. “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” (1 Peter 1:8)
· Am I trying to make myself happy, or am I striving to be joyous?
· Is my focus on what I want (happiness) or on Who God is (joy)?
