What is joy? Have you ever really stopped to consider this? Many of us may try to equate joy with happiness — but they are not the same thing.
The true meaning of joy is much deeper than feelings of happiness. Happiness is temporary and fickle. Joy is constant and secure.
Joy is not extreme happiness, although when we connect with joy, we may feel some of those exuberant feelings. Joy goes beyond those emotions. Joy is not dependent on any of the circumstances that happiness is dependent upon.
A while back I was struggling with the concept of joy, and I fell upon this description: “True joy is a limitless, life-defining, transformative reservoir waiting to be tapped into. It requires the utmost surrender, and, like love, is a choice to be made.”
I like that! Joy is a reservoir waiting to be tapped into! Joy is not simply a feeling that happens. Joy is a state of being gifted to us by God. Yes, joy is a gift!
We are never forced to accept it, or to participate in it. But joy is there for us if we want it. Why wouldn’t we want it?
The world is a crazy place right now, and at times, it’s difficult to find my joy. A few years ago at the beginning of the pandemic, I sang a song written by the Hollingsworth Family called, “Joy Is Not Cancelled.”
Today, in the midst of craziness, I want to remind myself not to get lost in the world. Today, I want to sing these words to myself, and encourage myself to choose joy:
“So in the midst of chaos, In the midst of all the fear
There is something you should remember
Yes there is something we all need to hear
Joy is not cancelled — Peace still remains
God’s goodness and kindness — His grace isn’t running low…
His power is still abundant
His promises they’re all still true
God’s plans have not been cancelled
He’s fully in control
And everything that matters still remains”
Yes, today, right now I choose joy! Please join me!
