Where Does Your Joy Come From?
Hi Friends and welcome to Monday!
Mondays get a bad rap sometimes but I think I’m going to view them as a clean slate. A little positivity goes a long way and I hope that you are off to a great start for the week! It’s time for Monday Musings of Grace.
If you follow me on Instagram then you know that I share my musings each Monday as words of encouragement, a challenge, or sometimes just a way for me to sort out my own thoughts alongside of you all. So, as I shared in my last Monday Musing on the blog, I’m excited to extend that to all of my blog friends.
Monday Musings of Grace
Today’s musing is on Joy. Often we talk about joy as if it is only something that children exhibit. Or it is only expected around the holidays or big life events. But joy is meant for our everyday lives. Now before I get going on this, I need you to know that there is a different between happiness and joy. Often we make those terms synonymous, don’t we?
Happiness v. Joy
But in reality the Bible views them differently. Happiness is an emotion. It is dependent on circumstances. It can be switched off in an instant. Joy, on the other hand, is more of a permanent outlook on life. A state of mind, for lack of better words.
Joy is something so hard to explain to this world because it is dependent on GOD. It does not come from within us. We don’t manufacture joy like we can with happiness. It goes deeper than emotion. Joy is contentment in spite of circumstances.
{These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.- John 15:11}
Comparison: The Thief of Joy
One of the reasons I want to make that distinction between happiness and joy is because of what brought me to this topic today. I’ve been dwelling on the dangers of comparison. In our world we are constantly comparing each other. Comparing our homes, our cars, our kids, our clothes…you name it, I guarantee someone has compared it to another person.
Often times this starts so innocently. It begins as admiration. Or inspiration. It can motivate us to be better, to strive harder, to attain goals. But then we take it too far.
When admiration transforms into comparison, it’s time to reset your thinking.
How many times has your admiration of someone turned to jealousy? That is because, as Teddy Roosevelt said, comparison is the thief of joy. True joy doesn’t come from possessions. It doesn’t come from success. It doesn’t even come from relationships.
You’ve seen it over and over again in this world. Millionaires – people whose names are known across the world – committing suicide regularly. Men and women who have beautiful families and (outwardly appearing) wonderful lives struggling with addictions and depression. Thousands upon thousands of them. It is truly heartbreaking.
But There’s Good News
God gives us FULLNESS OF JOY. Sometimes that’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? Because we view joy as happiness. But when we understand what joy truly is then it becomes easier to see it in our lives. Psalm 16:11 says, “You (God) make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Want another one? “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
And another? “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17
God gives us our joy
Where is your focus today, my friends? Is it on things of this world? Or is it on Jesus, the source of our joy? I hope this is food for thought. But I also want to clarify something that always bothers me about the way some Christians talk about God’s joy. Joy isn’t always happy. Sorrowful joy exists.
Life isn’t one happy abundant existence just because you believe in God. He isn’t a magic genie who will make all your troubles disappear. Beautiful, God loving, devoted Christian people still struggle with depression daily. And we see sorrow all around us.
My intent is not to make anyone feel guilty for how they do or don’t live their lives. It is to give a new perspective. To show you what the Bible says. From the verses above, the Bible says Joy comes from:
- “God’s presence” Psalm 16:11
- “through believing” Romans 15:13
- “in the Holy Spirit” Romans 14:17
Do you see a pattern? Joy comes from the Lord and through our focus on Him. This life and all that’s in it are temporal. It will all pass away. But the Joy of the Lord is eternal. And God gives us joy in spite of our trials and tribulations. Be blessed this week my friends.
I love this
I’m so glad. 🙂
I love your Monday Musings they have helped me so much I started with the conflict resolution one and kept going Thank you for having them
I’m so glad they’ve been helpful Ruby!
Thank You Sarah, I do struggle with happiness verses joy. I love how you explained it. It makes so much sense. I jotted down the books and verses. Looks like i have some reading to do. I do know though even in our struggles pain and hurt my God is with me. have a wonderful day Sarah. Becky
I’m so glad it was helpful Becky! Enjoy your reading. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this. I do believe in our human state of mind that happiness and joy are the same thing and as you explained so well, they are not synonymous of each other. To have the fullness of JOY is to have the fullness of Christ. But in our frailty, we often let ourselves get robbed of this joy because we seek it in all the wrong places. Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you!
So well said! Thank you Lisa!
Sarah,
I love your stories, the DIYs that you share. I agree that showing positivity is much more rewarding and useful than looking at negative. The house I live in is my husband’s, ( we were both widowed and married about 7 yrs ago) however it is my home and I am trying to make it into a warm cozy place to be. I enjoy seeing what folks do in their spaces IG but I have my own style and taste ( though I get great inspiration and ideas from others) still I’m so grateful for what I have now.
I can’t wait to see what happens in your laundry room because I am about to update my own laundry room very soon! Beverly P.
Thank you so much Beverly! I’m so happy that you’ve taken the positive route and are turning your new home into a haven!
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You are wise, talented, blessed with a gift. I knew the first time I called you twinkle there was a reason. For you have a special heart that twinkles in your words. In the gifts you give others. Your blog is a success whether 20k read it or just one. Because either way you will have touched a life in a positive way.