Joy: is defined as a feeling of great happiness or pleasure;
a state of great happiness; and a source or cause of delight
– Webster’s Dictionary
JOY is one of my favorite words! Joy is different from happiness – very different. At least that is Christian joy and happiness.
Happiness is defined as a feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. Happy, comes and goes. Things happen, moments in time that fill us with pleasure or contentment, overwhelm us with happiness…but then the moment passes, and the feeling can fade.
Joy is an inner gladness, a deep-seated pleasure. It is a depth of assurance and confidence that ignites a cheerful heart. It is a cheerful heart that leads to cheerful behavior. Joy is not an experience that comes from favorable circumstances but is God’s gift to believers. Joy is a part of God’s very essence and the Holy Spirit manifests this supernatural joy in God’s children. Joy is the deep-down sense of well-being that abides in the heart of the person who knows all is well between oneself and the Lord.
Happiness happens…but Joy abides.
Pastor Rick Warren says, “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 alright, and the determined choice to praise God in Every Situation.”
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Thessalonica, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 5:16-18) To be joyful always is to see the hand of God in whatever is happening and to remain certain of God’s future salvation. There is great joy to be found amid sorrow and heart ache as well as in moments of celebration and happiness. Be joyful, always.
To live a joy-filled life is a conscious decision to live life differently than the rest of the world, because as Christians we live with a hope in what is to come! To live a life of joy is not simply happiness – for true joy cannot be turned off and on like a faucet. Joy radiates outward from deep within your core.
A prayer for us today: Lord, as we continue to draw nearer to the manger this Advent season, may we be filled with the wonder of Advent and all that it holds. May we seek to live a joy-filled life. May we be filled with all the joy and wonder that comes as we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child. May we radiate joy throughout this season and into the year ahead. May we abide in joy and peace and hope with every breath we breathe. Amen.
Advent Blessings,
Pastor Jenni
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)