“Joy happens not when all is well but when we are connected to what God is doing in the world– loving, saving, redeeming, caring. It’s not surprising that those who serve and share from their hearts find joy” (David Miller)

Sometimes, we think that for joy to happen, everything has to be going right. There can’t be any tragedy or pain or sadness. But I think we often confuse joy with happiness.

Happiness is based on circumstances, or on what happens. It’s an emotion and is as fickle as every other emotion. You can’t live your whole life on happiness. I can’t even make it through an entire day when I try to be happy every single minute of the day.

But joy is something else. Joy is an inner certainty, a calm assurance that God is over everything and working in everything for good. You can have joy even when you’re unhappy. Joy and sorrow can coexist. Joy and pain aren’t strangers.

Joy comes from having the right perspective because you’re focusing on the right things. Namely, you’re fixing your eyes on Jesus, the beginning and finisher of faith. The more you keep your mind on heavenly things, where Christ is seated, and less on earthly things, where nothing lasts, the more you will have joy.

I’m praying for joy for everyone reading these words. May all my brothers and sisters in Christ experience the true joy that comes from being forgiven and set free. May our joy come from being in the center of God’s will, serving and sharing and loving and caring those around us who God also loves. May our joy be overflowing and contagious. Amen.