Happiness is good. Really good. Happiness is fulfilling, it is restoring, it is reassuring, it is, for lack of a better word, happy. But happiness is temporary. Happiness is fleeting. Happiness is futile.
So how can we go about our life knowing that our circumstances could change any minute? Knowing that in a second, all that we have worked for could be gone. All that makes us happy, destroyed. How can we live worry-free when frankly, life provides so much to worry about? Where is our purpose? Our drive?
The answer rests in one simple word. One syllable, three letters, one word. Joy. Many people think joy is simply another word for happiness..ha! They must not have experienced true joy. Happiness and joy are infinitely different. Happiness is fleeting, joy is unconditional. Happiness is worldly, but joy is Godly. Happiness is temporary, but the joy of the Lord remains forever. Now, I am by no means saying happiness is a bad thing! It is certainly not! But if happiness is all you have to cling to, you'd better hold on tight, cause you're in deeper than deep. Happiness relies on circumstance. The joy of the Lord is everlasting, unconditional, strong, reassuring, and comforting. Joy is knowing, even on your worst days, that you possess an incredible, undeserved gift, and consequently having the strength to smile through the pain. Joy is being able to find a bright side in absolutely everything. Joy is peace, comfort, restoration. Joy is being able to rest, even in the hardest obstacles of life. Joy is overflowing, it is endless, and it is beautiful.
But not everyone has this joy. The joy of the Lord only comes from accepting His merciful gift. From choosing to turn your life around, run from your earthly desires, and cling to the heart of the Lord. But let me tell you, it's SO worth it. The joy of the Lord is indescribable, and it overflows from my heart even now, as I type this blog weighted with the burden of bad news. The joy of the Lord is a strong and unfailing reminder that everything WILL be okay. Choose joy. Don't cling to wordly contentment. I beg of you with all of my heart, choose joy.
The journey of a relationship with our Lord is certainly not "a walk in the park". Of course, there will be hard times, but the difference is, these hard times will not defeat you. Will not squander you. And will not define you. The joy of the Lord is a constant companion. There is ALWAYS a reason to smile. To see the Lord reveal Himself in your life...to watch His will become your own...to cry and fight as you throw off the burden of sin, and rejoice as you walk into the light...these things are indescribable. The journey is indescribable. It's the journey of joy.
"I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." John 15:11
