Joy. Joy is something we strive for. We want happiness. We want to have joy.
But how can we be happy or have joy?
Well I think a lot of people get confused on the meanings on those words. Happiness depends on your circumstances. With joy it doesn't matter your circumstances. But in this world we crave happiness. And we do have it... but only for a brief time before it passes away. How can we stay happy?
Easy answer: we can't. Happiness is only temporary. People search for it in relationships, money, jobs, fun, etc.. I think we all have before too, I know I have. But we can't strive for happiness because it doesn't last.
Then what does last?
Joy. Joy is something you can have inside of you if you let it. Joy is eternal. Joy can only be found in Jesus.
A quote I read recently says this, "In His presence is the fullness of joy."
That's right. In Him and in Him alone can we find the fullness of joy. No matter what happens in this world then we can cling onto our joy which we find in Him. Joy is found in knowing God.
That's what this world is missing. In each of us is a gap only God can fill. We look for happiness but that's temporary.
Let's strive for something more. Let's strive for the joy that comes from Jesus.
John 15:11, "I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."
Only in God is there real joy -- in Jesus.
ReplyDelete-Michaila
seventytimeseven.com
Yes, that is so true. Only in God can be found real joy. Thanks for reading :)
DeleteWow Sarah. This was right in the nick of time for me. I've been thinking about that, and you just explained it so perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThank you Paige, it's God who gives me the words. Thanks for reading :)
DeleteI have been realizing this lately that all these people or so sad and they tern to the wrong things for happiness. But the joy of the lord is my straight!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, the joy is of the Lord is our strength. We shouldn't turn to the things of the world because ultimately the world is what makes us joyless. As children of God we are set apart and to be in the world not of the world. Thanks for your thoughts Beth :)
DeleteI just found your blog today, and I'm so glad I did! This post is so beautifully well-written.
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Welcome to my blog! And thank you :). Thanks for reading!
DeleteCould it be said that happiness is found in what is seen and joy in what is unseen? Thus the apostles fixed their eyes on what was unseen not on what was seen and found that they - though outwardly wasting away - were being inwardly renewed day by day? Thanks for writing this, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteNever really thought about it that way... thanks for sharing your thoughts Jordy! :)
DeleteI actually just read and have been thinking about John 15:11 recently. We have only to step into the precious presence of our Father God, to come to His throne of grace, to obtain true joy -- joy that is complete and full! Thank you for this post, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteYes! He is so amazing, and in Him we find true joy. What wonderful joy that is complete and full! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! :)
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