There is a difference between happiness and joy. This is something I am sure you have heard before, but I find this very true. 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 that is really hard to put into words because it is dependent on God.
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 clothes, our cars, our followers, our families…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. It turns into something dangerous when your want to be someone else is now jealousy. Comparison truly is a thief of joy which will leave you unfulfilled in the end. What will not leave you feeling empty, is putting your worth into the Lord. When we do this, we see that we are relying on someone constant in our lives who will never forsake us. It naturally brings joy because that is who He is.
We have good news always coming from the Lord, but today I want you to know that you can receive a constant joy in your life in your Heavenly Father. Take time to be with Him and understand his character. You will see the joy he brings into peoples lives, which could very easily be yours today. 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.” It is written down right here. 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. Friends, you are so loved and valued. Be with Him today and see the joy He has for you in your everyday life.
The first step in getting to know Him so you can experience this joy is spending time with Him. I challenge you this week to:
Talk to God. Our calling on the Lord can help us begin to open our heart to Him and exercise our spirit to contact Him. What is worrying you? Who can you pray for that needs Jesus?
Meditate on Scripture. The Bible is a gift as it is the Word of God. Open the Bible app up or your own Bible and read scripture. He reveals his character all throughout this books.
Give thanks to Him. This one is so simple and easy because there are millions of reasons to thank Jesus. We woke up this morning, there is a blessing already!
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