Today my husband and I went fishing. O.K. I mean my husband fished and I read a book. It was a beautiful summer evening on the lake. This is one of my favorite activities. Sun, water, and family is a perfect equation for happiness. My husband is happy because he is fishing and I am within arm’s reach. I am happy because he is happy. While he is fishing – I am reading.
However, the happiness I enjoyed on the gently rocking boat ended when at sunset the mosquitoes chased us off the lake. Happiness only lasts for a short time because it is a feeling based on circumstances. Because circumstances are constantly changing, happiness can come and go. But I’m fine with that because I have something even better. JOY.
Joy is not a feeling. It is an attribute of our spirit man and the Spirit of God. It is a constant because it “springs” up out of our relationship with God and His nature. The Bible says in Psalms 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
Joy is an expression of God’s strength that is available for anyone who will trust in Him. So even when I am walking through difficult times and I am not “feeling happy”, joy is always with me. Joy fills my heart and my mouth with a song. So if you hear me singing, you know why.
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