Saturday, May 20, 2006

Joy is divine happiness

"Your Commandments are my eternal possession; they are the joy of my heart"
Personally, I love the word joy. It means so much more than happiness. You can be happy because someone has been nice to you, because the sun is shining, or because you have received a present. Happiness is the result of certain circumstances or certain things done to or for you. How often do we say: Yes, that will make me happy. Something needs to be done to produce that feeling. Joy is something you have, regardless of the circumstance. You are happy, but you have joy. Happiness is the result of something happening to you; joy is the result of something that has happened in you. Joy is a possession; it doesn't come and go like happiness or even pleasure or enjoyment. Let's say joy is divine happiness. Joy is part of God's divine character. He likes to share it with us through His Spirit. In Galatians 5:22 we can learn what God's character is all about. "But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control." Joy is a product of God's character in us. We have it, even if we don't feel happy!

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