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