What Is Joy

What Is Joy…

Joy is a choice, a deliberate, conscious choice. That choice is available to us each day. Our joy isn’t controlled by others or by outward circumstances. Joy comes from a deeper place, a place of security deep inside ourselves.

Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.

Joy comes from the inner-self of a person, and is connecting with the source of life within you. It is caused by something really exceptional and satisfying. The source of joy is something or someone greatly appreciated or valued, and it is not only about oneself, but also about the contentment of those people whom you value the most.

There’s a difference between joy and happiness. But what that difference is, is difficult to definitively define. For every person who says joy is an underlying truth that good or bad circumstances can’t dictate, and happiness is rooted in circumstance, there will be others who think the opposite.

Despite the different perspectives, the idea that holds greater sway today is that happiness depends on external factors to exist.Happiness happens to us. Even though we may seek it, desire it, pursue it, etc., feeling happiness is not a choice we make.

Joy, on the other hand, is a choice purposefully made. Joy is an attitude of the heart and spirit, present inside of us as an untapped reservoir of potential.

It’s possible to feel joy in difficult times. Joy doesn’t need a smile in order to exist, although it does feels better with one. Joy can share its space with other emotions – sadness, shame or anger. Happiness can’t.

Happiness is not present in darkness and difficulty. Joy never leaves it. Joy undergirds our spirits; it brings to life peace and contentment.

Joy requires a connection. Often the connection is with other people, but it can also be with pets, creation, creativity, etc. Joy is present. In the moment. Happiness mostly just passes through.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

It’s an attitude, not a passing emotion. Remember to be kind. Remember to be loving, but most of all remember to be happy.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed