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.
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.
Reflection Questions
Prayer for this week
Holy Spirit, produce and ripen the fruit of joy in me.
