Joy...
We've talked about happiness but we have not explored JOY. Is there a difference? There absolutely is. In my own experience and in looking up both words, I realize that happiness is often determined by external factors. While we can choose to be happy in spite of what may be going on around us it may temporarily be altered or turned into sadness based on external circumstance. But Joy...aaahhh, Joy is internal and can be more consistent. For me, my Joy comes from the Lord! The Bible references Joy often; The Joy of the Lord Is my strength...Joy comes in the morning...unspeakable joy...We hear it in spiritual songs; I got that joy, joy, joy joy...Joy to the world the Lord has come...
However you obtain your joy, it is internal. The similarity of joy and happiness is that you can choose both. Joy resides down in your heart as the childhood song says; I got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Joy is an overwhelming feeling on the inside. It warms our hearts and soothes our soul. Joy is of spiritual wellness.
Many may wonder how can I keep joy if I'm depressed or suffer from mental illness? It is possible but it comes with work and the consistent choice. But once you have it, it's there in spite of external circumstances.
If you're feeling sad it's ok. Remind yourself that you have joy on the inside. That though your struggle may be based on external factors, your internal joy can't be taken away.
Make the effort to affirm your joy. Speak to it daily. Say it out loud; I have joy on the inside! My heart is joyful! My soul leaps for joy!
A moment of TRUTH...I had foot surgery about seven weeks ago and I've experienced pain in the healing process but that pain is physical pain. I can allow it to disturb my internal joy by focusing on it and wondering when it will stop or when I will be fully healed externally. What does that help? Instead I focus on the joy on the inside of me; the joy that I have from knowing that all is well. It is the joy that God has placed in my heart. It is the joy that I receive from feeling good on the inside no matter what the outside feels or looks like.
Do whatever it takes to maintain your joy and don't let anyone take it from you.
Find your JOY! Choose JOY today and everyday!
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