Hello, Beloved Reader! I’m Faith. Thanks for visiting me today.
“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” –Psalm 5:11
“”Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” –Psalm 16:11
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” –James 1:2-3
Joy is a concept that some may confuse with happiness. So, for the sake of understanding let’s define each. Happiness is a state of the mind, yet the mind can change rather swiftly. Joy is a state of the heart. Joy comes deep within. Even though they might seem like the same thing, they aren’t.
Joy is a state of happiness, but it lasts longer than just within a moment of contentment.
“Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” –Philippians 4:11
You can be in a state of disease and still be content? You can be dying and still be content? You can have the world falling in on you and still be content? How??
It’s not saying be happy that you’re sick or dying. It’s saying be joyous even through the trials. It’s difficult, believe me, I know. It seems impossible to be joyous when you’ve just lost a loved one, or your finances are in shambles, or your heart is heavy. I know. I’m not saying you can’t be sad for a little bit. I’m saying get back up. Don’t wallow in the sorrow. Don’t stay there.
After all, why not be joyous?
You’re a child of God, aren’t you? Don’t you have the promise of eternal life? Don’t you have a Friend that walks by you everyday, who talks to you and gives you peace and comfort when times are rough? Don’t you have a Father who loves you so much to give his Son as a sacrifice for you to have an opportunity for salvation? Why not be joyous? Why not be content? After all, this world and its troubles fade away, right? It’s hard work, but we can do it.
–Faith Cross
