Joy

Joy

MY QUESTIONS for GOD

If God promises me joy, does that mean I’ll always be happy? What if I don’t feel happy?

A MOMENT with GOD

The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

Acts 5:41

Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Romans 5:1-2

They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:2

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! . . . I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything.

Philippians 4:4, 12

When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

James 1:2

There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness, which is temporary, is a reaction to events in your life. Joy, which is strong and lasting, happens in spite of your circumstances. This kind of joy can only happen by following God and living according to his principles. Happiness that is based on events is not bad; but if it’s all you can count on, you will always need to experience happy events to keep you going. Those who know the joy that comes from God don’t need events to keep them happy. They develop an inner joy in spite of their circumstances. They know that no matter what happens, God offers hope and promise. Joy is celebrating your walk with God. It is having peace with God. It is realizing how privileged you are to know Jesus as your Savior, to have your sins forgiven, to be friends with God Almighty, and to be certain you will live forever with him in heaven. It is experiencing the dramatic change that occurs in your life when you allow the Holy Spirit to control your heart and mind. God does not promise constant happiness; in fact, the Bible assures us that we will have problems because we live in a fallen world. But God does promise lasting joy to those who follow him. This kind of joy stays with you despite your problems because you know that God is with you, that he will help you through them, and that one day he will take them all away. You can have this lasting joy even when you don’t feel happy.

DIVINE PROMISE

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. Jude 1:24