Joy is much greater than happiness. Happiness comes from happenings. When all is going well, we are happy. When all the bills are paid and we have money left over, and to spare, we are happy. When everything around us is in order, we are happy. But joy is more powerful than happiness, because it does not need everything in place in order to be glad.
Joy is a spiritual force. It is a product of the human spirit, in tune and connected to the Spirit of God. Joy comes from God, and out of our relationship and fellowship with Him. When we are walking closely with Him, it does not matter how things appear, it does not matter how much money we have or don't have, it does not matter how the world may be full of chaos and confusion, we have gladness, yes, joy unspeakable, and full of glory.
The strength and power of the joyful spirit baffles and puzzles the person who does not have it. Amidst the fact that there may be pressing needs, and yes, even struggles of varied sorts, when we are filled with this joy, we cannot seem to help but be full of thanksgiving and a rest which is so sweet and abundant, that it send forth an aroma of peace and creates an atmosphere of absolute bliss and wonder. There is such a thing as the joy of the Lord and to have it is the most wonderful thing in the world.
There are people who are millionaries and billionaries, who know little to nothing about true joy. They would pay any amount to have real joy and peace. Yes, they may at times be happy, but joy eludes them, because joy is not the product of things. Things and the pleasure of material things will only last for so long. And even though the Almighty may bless us with them, the true joy of life is not found in the things which He gives us, but in Him Who gives us the power to get the things.
Until we wake up to this reality, we will have little to no satisfaction on the inside. We will still feel empty and after the friends are gone, we will lie alone in the night-time wondering if that is all there is to life.
The joy that comes from the very presence of God is the result of peace. Peace is rest and tranquility in the love of God, and in the promises of God. Peace is not the absence of troubles, but the assurance that you and God can handle anything which comes your way, and the calm rest and absolute confidence that even after this life is over, you will be with the Lord for eternity.
If you do not have this kind of joy, rest and peace, then you can receive it right now, by asking Jesus Christ, God's Son to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior. I am not speaking of religion. I am speaking of a living relationship with Almighty God Who loves you and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins, raising Him from the dead by His power. He is the real source of peace and joy. So receive Him today.
Sheldon D. Newton is an inspirational and motivational speaker, teacher, pastor and seminar lecturer. He is the Founder and Senior pastor of Jesus Christ Centered Ministries International and the author of various books including, Refuse to Live the Common Life, The Positive Power of Biblical Affirmations, Humility and the Honor of God and True Spirituality, available at: http://amzn.to/truespirituality
His burning purpose is to see lives transformed through the application of timeless and godly principles, which will enable them to live better lives of peace, wholeness and fulfillment. This purpose has taken him throughout the islands of the Bahamas, The United States of America and The British Virgin Islands.
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