What is Joy?

House of Worship Mankato

DAILY INSPIRATION
“What is Joy?
When most people think of joy, they think of being excited and happy about something specific. Although these are two wonderful emotions to experience; Joy is so much more than that. Before I go any further, I want to humbly make it known; that God’s definition of JOY is different than society’s definition.
Christian joy is hope within, it’s inner peace and an overall good feeling in our soul; that’s produced by the Holy Spirit. This amazing God given joy causes us to see the honor, the relevance and the beauty of Christ in the WORD and in our lives. Joy is NOT an idea, a thought or a type of happiness that’s dictated by how well things are going. Joy is an unshakable emotion; because it doesn’t rely on outside sources and it’s NOT connected or controlled by outside forces. Joy is connected to our deep affection for Christ, and is produced by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. This put’s a huge smile on my face, because now I understand why I feel a sense of calmness and inner peace, when all hell is breaking loose in my life. This doesn’t mean that I don’t cry or feel sad; but because I have joy; I have inner happiness and a feeling that everything is going to be alright.
The Bible verse that grips me the most as it pertains to Joy is Psalm 16:11: Because it says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore”. Wow! Wow! This Bible verse is powerful and gripping; yet so comforting. God is encouraging us and reminding us that He is the one that produces our joy within; so the more we are in His presence, the greater the JOY we experience. Also, notice in the last part of verse 11, that it says, “At your right hand are pleasures forever more”. Well, the right hand symbolizes blessing and according to the Bible, Jesus is also seated at the right hand of God the Father: So, the closer you get to Jesus, the more joy you have. So, I like to use the acronym: J.O.Y = JESUS ON YOU!
I pray that you experience great joy in your heart and that your day is filled with wonderful moments. God bless you and have a joyful day!
Don’t forget to share this “Daily Inspiration” with someone and bring some JOY to their heart.