Describe one habit that brings you joy.
First I have to define what joy is and answer a question. What is the difference between happiness and joy? We all want happiness, but is that the best thing for us?
Happiness is, “according to dictionary.com, the quality or state of being happy.”
Dictionary.com has two definitions for joy and I’m going with the second: a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.
That may seem like the same thing, but it’s not. Happy is based on a thing that is transitory and can be taken away. You’re happy when you get a new car, but it can be destroyed in one outing. It can be based on a job which you can get laid off from. It can be based on a trip to an amusement park, but when the trip is over, the happiness ends.
Joy is different. It comes from deep within. Some people think that joy comes from marriage, and it can, but what happens when that marriage ends due to death or divorce?
Let me tell you about my source of joy: it’s Jesus and His Word. Reading the Bible will give me joy even during times of stress. Prayer is where the real joy floods in. Your prayer life is your relationship with God. If you don’t have a prayer life, you don’t have a relationship with God. That IS the relationship. Let’s say you get a new friend, you want to call and talk with them right? That’s what prayer is. Talking with God.
Real joy doesn’t change with circumstances; it’s a fountain of blessing in your life that never goes away. It provides strength and hope and peace. As we come nearer to the day of God’s return, it’s important to plug into that fountain.
27Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. 28You heard Me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.
John, chapter 14.
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