joy

Psalms 19: 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,reviving the soul.The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.

how often do we mistake happiness for joy? I think it is done very often...

happiness is centered on emotions.. it is a feeling... generally.. when we get our way.. we are happy... and when we do not.. we are sad or angry...

but joy is entirely different... joy is a thing you have despite the circumstances.. you can be going through trying circumstances.. yet you have stability of emotion through God's love for you...

this thanksgiving at a service.. the preacher stood up and talked about people we don't like... and how often we allow them to take our joy from us.. how often we will allow our own peace.. happiness.. patience.. joy... to be upset by someone else just being in our presence...

I am thankful that God is my center... my attitude.. my mood... these things are not determined by what others around me do or say... God is my base.. and I can stand strongly upon Him... secure in His love.. regardless of the circumstance... and keep my joy... even when I am not happy...