Most of what we call joy is actually happiness.
Happiness is circumstantial — joy is eternal.
You will fill me with joy in your presence
Psalm 16:11
"There is a joy in the Lord that is independent of all outward circumstances."
— Charles Spurgeon
"Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, but the presence of God."
— Elizabeth Elliot
Happiness is like a rollercoaster.
Joy is like an anchor.
Bottom Line
Jesus is the source of a joy that lasts.
"A Christian without joy is a sick Christian."
— Martin Luther
The Christmas story comes wrapped in joy.
The angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
Luke 1:13-15
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy
Luke 1:41-44
When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
Luke 1:57-58
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11
I have told you this that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:11
The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking… but of joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17
The Paradox: You can’t make joy, but you do have to choose it.
"We cannot make joy like we make spaghetti. Joy is a gift."
— Angela Williams Gorrell
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."
— Henri Nouwen
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds
James 1:2
Joy is something that is always available to us because God is always with us.
Action Steps
- Disconnect from joy counterfeits
- Abide in God's presence
- Abide in God's presence
- Invite the Holy Spirit to produce joy in you
- Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
- Choose joy in the hard
Reflection Questions
- What do I turn to when I am stressed, bored, or empty?
- What gives me a quick high but always leaves me wanting more?
- What do I rely on to feel okay and would flip out if it was taken away?
Prayer for this week
Holy Spirit, produce and ripen the fruit of joy in me.
