Joy And Happiness

Nehemiah 8:10 “…So don’t be sad. The joy of the Lord makes you strong.” ~NIRV

One way to understand God’s love is to know the difference between being happy and being blessed with God’s joy. Happiness is based on ‘happenings’. For example, young George is happy because he has just saved enough money to buy a car he saw on sale at the car lot down the street. He is happy because he has pictured himself in that car and has told everyone about it. But when George gets to the car lot, he finds that the car has been sold and is not available anymore. He is no longer happy. His happiness has been taken away just that quickly. It is because his happiness was based on a material object. One he can touch, see and smell. When that object was no longer attainable to George, his happiness disappeared.

It is in ‘Joy’ where God’s power in our strength, comes from. And His power has a greater effect on us, than just being happy. With joy we can be content no matter what is happening around us. Joy from the Lord is knowing that He is in charge. It is with this joy that we begin to see others differently. It is with this joy that we learn to love others instead of judging them. Joy is the foundation for us being called to love deeply, and sincerely, reflecting God’s own love. If George went to buy that car with joy in his heart instead of happiness, he would have realized that he may not have gotten that car because God had something better for him.

In life we are where we are, because God has something better for us and those around us. The world my be showing us its worst, but God has us in place to present His best. We receive joy from the Lord. And we know this gift is powerful because the devil tries to steal, kill and destroy it. But we must protect our joy because Nehemiah 8:10 says, “...the joy of the Lord is your strength.” It is in God’s gift of joy where we can overcome all obstacles. And continue to move as servants for the kingdom.

​May God bless and keep you protected, healed and loved as you continue to journey in Jesus’ name.
 
Amen

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