Joy

All too often I see people fall into the trap of anger, sadness, despair. Watching by the sidelines as drama and pain engulf my friends, I begin to realise the importance of the need to be joyous in all circumstances.

Joy versus Happiness. Know the difference? Happiness is derived from events in your life, from the good things that happen to you, that bouy your spirits and put a smile on your face. Yet it is temporary. Happiness puts a smile on your face for that split second of your life, because the circumstances are in your favour.

Compare this to joy. The knowledge that what ever your situation, life is still good, wonderful and thank the Lord, excellent. Joy is derived from the spirit. No matter what troubles you face, deaths, pain and obstacles, having joy is like a warm feeling in your heart that darkness cannot overcome. That is why joy is important. It keeps you up and running through the waves and tides of life, knowing that whatever you have been blessed with is more than so many people.

Joy. Such a powerful word. Few people I know actually say they feel joyful. Most are Happy, when situations are in their favour and their desires are acheived. But reaching that penultimate step of JOYFULNESS... That's a whole other ball game.

Friends, let not the tides of the earth sway you and smash you to the ground. Stand up beneath the stress, pain and weight (with the help of the Lord) and face them straight on, trusting in the Father and keeping the fire burning within your heart. And the Darkness will tremble.

Joy to the World.

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;
As poor, yet making many rich;
As having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

2 Corinthians 6:10