Joy is so much more than happiness. Happiness is derived from circumstances which fade and fail, but Joy is a gift that grows as we face hard things, and is based on our position in Christ. The joy of the Lord becomes our strength.

When joy feels elusive I need to choose to focus on gratitude. Having a thankful heart does lead to a happier heart.

My first focal point needs to be Jesus, and the gift of His indwelling Holy Spirit. He is the promise keeper that we can build our lives on. God shall supply all my needs according to His riches -Philippians 4:19

My second focus needs to be on others. When I lift my eyes off of my own circumstances and look to the needs of others I feel joy knowing that I am serving someone and providing for their needs. Philippians 2:3b-4 TPT says,

“...Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. 4 Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.”

What we give we in turn receive. We can joyfully serve others because we trust God to meet our needs according to the immeasurable riches of His glory and not our own limited ability to provide for ourselves. When we spend time with God, and look to the needs of others then we can correctly place ourselves in a position to receive the JOY we are searching for. Think of it this way…

J esus

O thers

Y ou

In a world infatuated with self love, self care and self expression, yet missing out on true joy, it’s time to reorder our lives according to God’s Word and experience deep joy that isn’t swayed by circumstances.

My Closing prayer is found in Ephesians 1:17-19a

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