Finding Joy

Our world is full of stress. Everyday life is filled with all kinds of stressful situations that bring harmful effects to both our mental and physical health. As women, we are called on to be the anchor of our families. Even if we are working women, it is assumed that we will take care of our homes and families in our "spare time".

Think for a moment on the things that bring you real joy. What would that be for you?

Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."

• Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."

The Difference Between Joy And Happiness

While joy and happiness can often happen at the same time, there is a little difference between them. Think of happiness as an emotion to things that are happening around you. Joy is more an internal motivation that occurs when we reach a goal or find our purpose in life. Happiness is an emotion while joy is more of a state of being. 

Happiness is a momentary feeling, but joy is a state of being that can help us through even the worst of times. Joy is more a feeling of inner peace and contentment. Happiness is a fleeting moment while joy is a longer-term state of being. 

Joy looks different to each person. Some find joy in giving to others, in spiritual pursuits or learning new things. Each of us needs to find those things to bring us joy. Otherwise, life becomes a real drag when we are without joy.

True joy is a gift from God. The word joy actually comes from a Greek word translated to mean "grace". Joy is a gift from God but also a response to the grace that he affords to us. Real joy comes when we are aware of His grace and are in His favor. 

Joy also springs from looking at your situation and life from an eternity focus. With an intentional focus towards God, there is more joy in your life. You know that no matter what is going on, The Lord is watching over you!

Joy Verses In The Holy Word

• “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 17:13
• A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs17:22
• For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm30:5
• My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23
• “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” John17:13
• “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
• “So also, you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22
• May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

How To Embrace Joy

Expressing joy is not fake, but it is authentic. It is not about plastering a fake smile on our faces when things are tough. But true joy can exist even in the face of the hardest of times. When we partner with God and trust in Him, and believe in His protection, joy will always be the outcome.

Focus On What You Can Control

Wow, that is a big one for all of us. We want to control everything in our lives. We want to be in control. We cannot control weather, disasters, what others choose to do directly or indirectly to us. We certainly can't control what happens often at the job. But we can control how we deal with it. 

But the truth is that in most of the things that are happening in our lives, we cannot control. While we may not be able to control a great many things, we can control our attitude towards them. Releasing what you cannot control will increase your happiness and give you better health-both mental and physical.

Be Present With Your Family And Friends

Spend time with your loved ones and friends. Show them that you appreciate them and love them. Make sure to spend time listening to them. If you have a family, try to plan one on one time with each other. Acknowledge their accomplishments no matter how large or small. This will help create a positive atmosphere in your home. Giving of yourself will bring you joy.

Surround Yourself With Joyful People

Build relationships with others whose lives reflect their confidence in God. Joy is contagious, but so is negativity. It is your choice who you spend time with. 

Express Gratitude Every Day

Gratitude is an opportunity to be thankful for the people and things around you. It helps us to focus on the good things in life rather than all the negativities. Taking time to express what we are grateful for helps us bring back the joy in our lives. 

It can be a message on the internet or a note to thank someone for a kindness that they have done for you. It could be just telling someone how much they affect your life. You might thank your husband or your child for something they have done.  It could be thanking God for the good things in your life. All of these things bring you happiness, but more than that it brings you joy.

Fill Your Life With Joyful Music

If you work or at home, fill your life with joyful music that brings you closer to God, I guarantee you will have a better day. And the things that are on your mind and soul will become lighter. 

Working To Keep The Commandments

When we work to keep God's commandments, it brings us to a closer relationship to Him. That also means that we will be closer to the gift of grace which will bring us joy. Here is what Jesus siad about joy:

 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9–11)

Make Room For Something You Can Be Passionate About

Even if it is only for 15 minutes, find something that you are passionate about and make that time for yourself every day! Each of us needs something to look forward to every day. It could be a favorite craft or hobby, it could be some reading, maybe a favorite TV show. Whatever it is for you, make time to do it. You will be a happier person and finding joy in that favorite passion can last a lifetime.

 "Your joy comes from what you feel passionate about, and your passion is your purpose," says licensed therapist and radio host Jaime Bronstein. "Finding joy in life leads you to understand why you are here, and what causes your life to be sustainable, meaningful, and purposeful."

Remember Past Victories

Recalling those times in our lives when we overcame the worst of the worst helps us remember that we have the strength within us to overcome whatever is facing us with God's help. Write your victories down and keep them so that when life gets tough, you can remember that you have the strength to get through anything.