A Breath of Fresh Air

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Is there a difference between joy and happiness? Happiness is defined as a state of well-being and contentment or a pleasurable or satisying experience. Joy is defined as an emotion of great delight caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. These are the world's definitions. When you pass someone and you see their smile, isn't it like a breath of fresh air? Isn't it more delightful to see smiles than frowns?

The bible's definition goes deeper than an emotion or an experience. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances. Joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence within us regardless of our circumstances. Christ wants us to be joyful. The verse in I Thessalonians says that this is God's will for us. The key is our intimate relationship with Jesus, the source of all joy. When we are in a relationship with him He provides protection and victory in our darkest valleys. He helps us rise out of our worst trials when we obediently give Him thanks even in the hard times. Although we don't "feel thankful" by finding things that we can be thankful for it brings us joy.

Joy for me today was seeing a smile on my daughter's face for the first time in a long time. There is joy for me in the feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, hearing the birds sing a song in all different pitches. There is a sea of color in my back yard with all the flowers that we planted months ago. There was joy watching Dylan hold a new puppy that was born recently and watching his tender touch as the puppy snuggled close to him. I felt joy watching a new horse run freely after having been in a confined space for a long time and watching him roll in the warm sand. I felt joy hearing my kids sing with the radio at the top of their lungs. You don't have to look very far, to find joy or to have a thankful heart for just the small things in life.

I want to live a life of obedience; I want to others to see why I have joy and hope for the future. It is because Jesus lives in me!