“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2 NLT)
Joy really is unspeakable. Have you tried to describe it?
Happy is laughing, cute shoes, ice cream and jeans that fit. Happy is easy. Happy just brings a smile to our face.
Tears can accompany joy.
I’ve learned to appreciate joy. Why? Because sometimes happy just isn’t possible.
Trouble has a way of finding us.
Joy is understanding that God never let’s pain be wasted. It’s always allowed for a purpose.
Joy is a choice and comes from deep within. It is really about trust.
Do we trust God enough to be peaceful when our world is undone?
Let’s fill our days with as much happy as possible. When we can’t, let’s choose joy.
When the sunshine is not warm on our faces, remember it’s there. It’s just hidden by the clouds.
That’s how joy is. We know it’s there. We trust it’s there. We feel it’s there.
Thinking deeper…
What does joy mean to you?
Lord, I love happy. Can we have as many happy days as possible? But, when troubles come remind me that I might weep tonight, but joy comes in the morning! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ann says
July 25, 2014 at 9:18 pmLove this!! I also just happened to write on the subject of joy in my post this week. I saw your post link (you actually followed my link) over at “Coffee for Your Heart”
Blessings!
Ann @ Christ in the Clouds
Carmen says
July 26, 2014 at 6:36 amThank you Ann. I definitely want to read your thoughts. I will hop over and see why God wanted us to both write on joy! Thanks for visiting! Come back and visit again soon.
Betsy says
July 24, 2014 at 5:34 pmThis is a sweet post, Carmen. I want as much happy as I can get to, but joy means that no matter what happens, no matter what problem I face, I am better off because God is with me. I can find joy in His presence.
I love the look of your new site. Good work!
Carmen says
July 24, 2014 at 5:51 pmThank you Betsy. Sometimes all we can hang on to is knowing we are in God’s presence. I’m glad you visited. Come again!
Sherrie says
July 24, 2014 at 9:04 amJoy is truly unspeakable and full of glory. An assurance that Gid is in control . If we lean on Him joy does come in the morning and weeping last for the night. In our darkest hour He is still with us. This brings joy to my soul and makes me thankful for the good days that come my way. Knowing Jesus is the only true joy!!
Carmen says
July 24, 2014 at 12:32 pmSo true Sherrie. “An assurance that God is in control”. Thank you Jesus for your faithfullness. I’m glad you stopped by. Come and visit again soon!
Holly Barrett says
July 24, 2014 at 9:02 amLovely post, Carmen, and such a great reminder that we can choose joy. Appreciate you linking up to Testimony Tuesday! Welcome to our community!
Carmen says
July 24, 2014 at 12:30 pmThank you Holly. Thanks for the welcome. And, thanks for stopping by with an encouraging word. Love you commmunity. You are such an inspiration. Come back and visit again!
judy says
July 24, 2014 at 7:51 amwell Carmen, this is one way to get us to meditate on the “Word”..,,i believe joy is…….. that “knowing” that you can trust Jesus …. that there is more than what we see….. knowing Jesus…. We have all seen people walking around who seem to have death in their eyes… they are just overcome with the hopelessness of thier life…. they have no gratefulness for anything….. happy is based on circumstances…. joy is based on faith in Jesus….. it truly is that indescibable word.
Carmen says
July 24, 2014 at 12:29 pmAhhh Judy, hopelessness is so sad. “Joy is based on faith in Jesus”. Yep, you got it. Thanks for visiting. Come back and see me again friend :)
Tonya Willhite says
July 24, 2014 at 7:51 amAmen, we must understand joy isn’t our emotions!! They are high and low!!! Joy is in us! Not in things or our circumstances!
Carmen says
July 24, 2014 at 12:27 pmAbsolutely Tonya! Life is always changing. Our joy cannot be tied to that. Thanks for visiting! Come back often :)