Joy, a Webster definition: "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good-fortune, or by the prospect of possessing what one desires, a state of happiness...." Joy. What is joy? People often associate joy with happiness, as though the two are interconnected, one and the same. This above description of joy seems well meaning at first glance, maybe, but in truth, if you look more closely, more deeply, you see that the whole focus of this definition is: self! How to be happy, wanting to feel happy, wanting to be satisfied by whatever you crave, whatever object or things makes you feel complete. How selfish! How sad that the world thinks this is all joy really is: an emotion or state of being when you have gained what you desire most, whatever that is, in order to secure your own happiness. I wonder, does it last? Is there merely one item or goal that each person desires and once they attain or achieve possession of it, then are they happy forever? I think not......
Joy, God's definition, courtesy of His Word: "a fruit of God's Spirit" (Gal. 5: 22), strength-providing: "the Joy OF THE LORD is your strength" (Num. 8:10), a state possessed
when facing even the most terrifying of situations if trusting God for the outcome, knowing He will be glorified: " [Jesus] who for the joy set before 
him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb 12: 2), the state of knowing and feeling joyful in response to the security found in God's power and the rest offered when trusting in Him alone, "But let those who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy...." (Ps. 5:11). An attitude that we are to choose to adopt in praise to God AT ALL TIMES, not only when we feel happy, "Rejoice in the LORD always, I will say it again, Rejoice!" (Phil. 4: 4), and a feeling of happiness and security that guards our hearts when we trust in God "May the God of hope FILL YOU with all joy and peace AS YOU TRUST IN HIM" (Rom 15:13).Most importantly, joy is not about us! Joy is not self-generated (cannot be invoked or created by us by mere will), but is a gracious gift of God's Spirit. God's Joy provides us with strength, God's joy may be felt and found even in the most difficult of situations, and while joy is a gift of God and given through His Spirit, it is still an attitude that we must adopt, and position of our heart with the goal in mind to glorify God and not ourselves. Joy is NOT an emotion, although the world defines it that way. Joy may be accompanied by an emotion at times, or expressed as an emotion, but that is not what joy is. Joy is a gift. Joy is a spirit-enabled fruit of Christian sanctification, joy is an attitude we must discipline ourselves to adopt knowing that it is powered and provided by the Holy Spirit and not only of ourselves.
Joy is about God being glorified! Joy is about our hearts reflecting an attitude that pleases Him. Joy is about us not focusing on ourselves, our wants, or our ever-changing feelings or appetites, but it is rather about us pleasing the Lord, seeking to be like Jesus and not gratifying ourselves. Joy comes from obedience, regardless of whether life is pleasant or not. Joy is both given and practiced.
Joy is an attitude, a gift, a choice, and a reflection of God's own character being lived out in us by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.
Noah Webster is widely acclaimed and known to be a smart, intellectual man. His dictionary of word definitions is impressive. However, his definition of joy is sadly lacking, uninformed, and incorrect.
Are you joyful? Do you seek to rejoice in God and who He is? Have you let him teach you how to find joy in Him? He alone is the true source of joy; nothing else satisfies like He does. True joy is only found in a relationship with Jesus Christ that leads a person to seek to bring God glory in every area of life, through every situation.
How thankful I am to have had the perfect example of a joy-filled and centered life. Jesus Christ lives out what true joy is.
"...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the JOY set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of god. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grown weary and lost heart." Hebrews 12:2-3
A life focused on Christ, one seeking to bring him glory and obey him, is one able to experience joy and be filled with it. only God's joy provides strength.
I encourage you to meditate of these truths of God's Word and examine your heart to see if you are willing to be joyful for God's glory!
Just another daily challenge that God brought to my heart and mind. I hope you will join me in cultivating true, God-given, joy!
May you be abundantly filled with God's Joy!
Michael and Katie
Katie!!! You should make another post! :)
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