Joy

By Caroline Holding:

There is a huge distinction between happiness and the joy we are promised as followers of Jesus. Happiness and joy seem as if they are interlinked, yet how can we feel joy when we are not happy.

When I felt the power of God's forgiveness on my life, the encompassing joy I felt was over brimming.  I walked with a bounce as if floating on air and the world was full of God's love everywhere. I was joyful.  Did this season of joy continue - yes and no.
 
We all experience happiness from different things, but most of these things are moments of happiness.  They are not sustainable as sadness, worries and anxieties creep into our lives.  The happiness disappears as troubles mount up.  God however does not promise happiness.  He does not promise a life free of troubles.  On the contrary the Bible says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)
 
It is through these troubles and trials that we grow and develop our relationship with our Father. The joy that God promises us is a product of that growing relationship with him in the knowledge that He is with us.  God knows every detail of our lives and so we can have confidence that everything will be alright and we are not alone.  During times of trials, it is more important to remember who our God is. He does not abandon us to face the problems in our lives.
 
We can often struggle to find God during these times, yet He is there as faithful to us as always.  We need to show our faith in Him and know He is our Father where we can seek refuge.  When joy feels absent, this is when it's important to go to church and seek fellowship with your brothers and sisters.  Spend time singing worship songs and praying.  Spend time reading his Word and remember what He has given you already. Look around you to see the blessings that are around you.  Even when joy feels absent, I know you can name at least one blessing around you.  As you seek His face you will find him: "Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." (1 Chronicles 16:10-11). Your heart will become lighter and your strength will return as you become safe in the knowledge that the Lord is always there.  You will feel that joy that can only be felt by knowing your Father.
 
The assurance of knowing God's Everlasting presence in our lives is the foundation of our joy.  His love and care in our lives cannot be taken away from us.  He is our never changing God - the same today, tomorrow and forever.  Even greater joy can be found in that we are granted eternal life with Jesus.  No hardship or disappointment in this life can separate us from our Father.  We all have a place for us in heaven.  Therefore "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit'."(Romans 15:13).