Do you have happiness or joy?

Philippians 4:4-5

     Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

     Keeping the right perspective is the most important thing that we can do to live an overcoming life in Christ. Trials, tribulations and difficult situations will always be present in this life, but when we learn to rise above them and remember that “all things work together for our good”, then we will be able to have joy as we walk through them.

     Joy and happiness are two totally different things, when it comes to our Christian walk. Happiness is based on emotions and joy is based on faith. We experience happiness when something good or positive happens to us or for us. Joy, on the other hand, is a choice we make when we believe that God has our best interest at heart. It is a trust and belief that the morning will come even when we’re in our darkest midnight hour.

     It takes faith to have joy and it only comes when we spend intimate communion time with the Lord. When our intimacy and communication time with the Lord is where it should be, then joy is a natural outflow, regardless of the situation around us. Deep down in our soul, we understand that our Heavenly Father loves us so very deeply and that, in and of itself, is enough to sustain us. That is enough, to fill us with joy. It’s not something that the world or possessions can give us; it can only come from the Lord.

     So the next time you’re walking through a difficult day, or a trying circumstance, take some time to remember that the God of the Universe thinks you’re pretty special. He may have allowed for that flat tire to happen so that you would avoid some dangerous situation further down the road. Or He may be allowing you to walk through that financial difficulty so that you will completely understand that He is the ultimate source of everything and security can only be found in Him.

     Today is the day to rejoice! Rejoice, even when things around you may look bleak. The Lord is coming back soon and He hasn’t left you here to fend for yourself. He loves you, He’s watching you, He’s caring for you and soon, He is returning to gather all of His children to be with Him. So again I say, rejoice!

     Do you rely on happiness or joy to guide your life? If you are constantly looking to buy the latest gadget or possession, or rely on people around you to bring fun and fulfillment, then you are probably relying on happiness to guide your life. I challenge you today, to spend some extra time in communion with God. Ask Him to fill your life with the joy that only He can give. Allow Him to give you a real reason to rejoice.

Have a great day!