Joy

Joy has always been one of the things I struggle to define. I see it as more of a journey than a temporary feeling. To experience real joy it often entails hardship. Joy is much more than a temporary feeling like happiness or contentment. It is given to us by God often in the midst of a trial or tribulation. I wanted to share some bible verses regarding joy:

"Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!"
(Psalm 66:1-2)

"Those who plan peace have joy." (Proverbs 12:20)

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)

"And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia." (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)

"Count it for joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, and salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9)

So joy is a gift bestowed upon us by God. We can not attain joy through works, but it comes from our journey with God throughout various hardships, trials, and problems. It is a precious and endearing gift that lifts our spirits and helps us walk more closely with the Lord. Joy should be a consistent presence in our life that displays our belief in the Lord. So even in the hard times we have hope and that hope gives us joy.