Joy
is deeper
and
higher
than happiness
It is harder to uproot or lose
It is a deep satisfaction of the heart and soul
Happiness is
a momentary giddiness with the circumstances at hand~
like a sugar high
Splashes
of
Happiness
Fountains
of
Joy
Happiness is like Fourth of July sparklers
Joy
is a slow burning fire
that warms you through the night
Happy is a pretty bird
a flirt, who is easily frightened away
Joy
is a Faithful Friend
a well to draw and drink deeply from
(Updated 2/21)
Something or someone may bring us joy, but joy is not as easily dismissed by invading circumstances as happiness is. Happiness is by enlarge dependent on current conditions, but it is possible to have joy in the midst of calamity.
You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. Psalms 4:7 NLT
Joy is linked to faith and hope in God and right things. There is joy, peace and security when we rest in, and are dependent on Him.
…Don’t be dejected and sad for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 NLT
Sin- living a life of duplicity will steal our joy. Ungratefulness, distraction, neglecting to spend time in God’s presence will deplete our joy. Having a wrong perspective or focus, lack of hope and vision will steal our joy.
We access joy when we allow God to bring correction to our lives.
My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT
People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. Proverbs 10:17 NLT
Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Psalm 32:2 NLT
We find joy
When we love what God loves
When our hearts are right with Him
When we are in His will.
There is joy in His presence
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commandments of the lord are clear, giving insight for living. Psalm 19:8 NLT
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 NLT
True and eternal joy begins with salvation.
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 NLT
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record is cleared of sin. Romans 4:7-8 NLT
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 NLT
God, I love Your Word. Jesus, I’m so in love with you.
Got Joy?
© 2016 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On Your Heart
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Tattoo It On Your Heart 
really nice painting!
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Amen! This is so true I can remember so many times in my life putting my trust in something to give me joy that only left me still feeling empty, lost, confused and often sad and hurt. It was when I put my trust in Jesus with my whole life that I began to feel true joy and peace and purpose for my life. I learned that was why He went to the cross to give us this very thing to wash away our sins and give us eternal life breaking chains in our lives and bring true joy and peace that surpasses all understanding making us right before God the Father. Thank you Rachael for your inspiring words. Take care xoxo
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“We find joy when we love what God loves. When our hearts are right with Him. When we are in His will. There is joy in His presence.” I’ll raise my tea cup to this! I ate an ice cream cone today and the wrapper around the cone said “Joy.” It brought you to mind. 🙂
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So beautifully written, and so true, Rachael. God has given you beautiful gifts and I’m so glad your using them. May God continue to inspire you. XO Kelly Z.
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