Synonyms of Joy:
exhilaration, exultation, praise
delight, glee, warm fuzzies
JOY is
Joy is the very essence of God Himself
it does not naturally originate within humanity
We frequently confuse Joy with happiness
but the source is completely different for each
Joy is steadfast, reliable and consistent
because God is steadfast, reliable and consistent
happiness is fickle, unpredictable and fleeting
it can be lost in an instant
happiness is dependent on our feelings
and the feelings of others towards us
Happiness can be altered by externals such as
daily news, situations, health, income,
relationships or anything that comes
from outside ourselves and beyond our control
If things aren’t going our way
happiness quickly fades from view
Joy is present no matter our circumstances,
we can celebrate, have gladness and express Joy
even in the midst of challenges or suffering
In His Joy, we are set free
in our weakness, He is strong
in our sadness, He consoles
in our trials, He will raise us up “on eagles wings”
Joy is knowing He holds us in His hand
He sees the bigger picture, while we only see our pain
He is Sovereign, nothing happens He does not allow
He can be trusted!
JOY is ultimate freedom
freedom to be who He created you to be
freedom to let go of striving and struggle
freedom to FIND JOY overfowing!
“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.
Yes, your joy will overflow!”
John 15:11