Whenever I used to think about the word joy, I would equate it to happiness. However, the more life experiences I have and the more I grow in my faith, I started to realize they are two totally different things. While both joy and happiness may be an emotion, that is where the similarities end. Happiness is conditional. Our happiness depends on the circumstance or situation we may find ourselves in.
While joy is a state of being that we carry with us regardless of the circumstances or situations we find ourselves in. The journey of life can be challenging and filled with ups and downs. Yet despite it all, we have to try to maintain our joy, one of the fruits of the Spirit. It may not be easy, but it is possible despite the storms of life to find joy in the journey.
One of the things I have found that helps me to find joy in my journey is to expect that there will be trials and storms in life. As much as we all would love to live lives that are drama free and free of problems, that is just not real life.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:2-3 (ESV)
Learning to not just expect, but to come out on the other side of the storms of life better and stronger is so important. The trials we go through not only will test our faith, but also test us in many areas. These tests should produce growth in us as individuals, wives, mothers, friends, and the list goes on and on. By expecting trials and knowing that you are going to grow through those trials helps to find joy in the journey.
This is something that is so important in marriage as well. There are so many ups and downs in marriage. No marriage is perfect or free from trials. Every marriage consists of two imperfect people coming together to become one. Two people going to the journey of life together. Encouraging and supporting each other to maintain their joy along the way.
Another way that I have been able to find joy in my journey is praying for it.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,
Colossians 1:11 (NLT)
Prayer is powerful. Prayer changes things. It cannot only change your situation, but it also can change you. By seeking God to not just guide you, but to also help you to maintain your joy can be a game changer. Knowing that despite the situation or the storm you are going through, that God is not only with you, but the source of your joy as well is so important.
Learning to expect trials and storms in life while praying ourselves through them is key to finding joy in the journey of life.
I’d love to know how you find joy in your journey in the comments!
I am desperately praying to find joy right now. I lost my husband unexpectedly a month ago and joy seems so far from me. But I have two babies who need me, so I’m doing my best for them. I hope I can find joy again.
I find joy in small things – I think gratitude festers joy too – such a great perspective.
Your advice to expect that there will be trials and storms in life is such a healthy perspective. I often reflect on my joy through journaling.
I like the way you differentiate joy and happiness, I often think they are the same thing, but you are really right, joy is unconditional! I love your post!
Thanks so much, Jessica, and you are definitely not alone. I used to think the same thing until I discovered what true joy is. 💕
So simple but so true. Love!
Thanks so much, Belinda! 💕
Acceptance of all emotions is essential if you want joy. In authentic living there can be joy
Acceptance of all emotions is definitely important, Nadene, while also not letting ourselves being caught up in and not seeing past them. 💕
I’ve never thought of joy in these terms before, but you’re so right. <3
Prayer carries me thru the good times and the trials, always coming out on the other side a better person. I often reflect on the trial and all that I learned from them and can not help but wonder how someone gets thru difficult circumstances without taking it to Jesus, it would be so much harder and bleak to go thru it alone.
I often wonder that same thing, Lisa, and it saddens me. Jesus gives such a source of strength and comfort that I wish everyone would draw from. 💕
Love this reminder of the power of prayer and how much joy you get from soaking in time with our Lord!
Lauren
We definitely all can use these kinds of reminders from time to time, Lauren.💕
Beautifully written and such great perspective, thank you for sharing!
I think the best thing you can do is step back when you’re irritated and ask yourself “Will this argument/problem etc really matter in a years’ time?” more often than not – it won’t! It saves a lot of trouble and puts the focus back on the good.
Beautiful post and wonderful reminder! Will keep these tips. Its important to have reminders like this post! Thank you for sharing!
I love how you explain clearly the difference between joy and happiness. We can face difficult situation yet still have our joy especially knowing they are only seasons and our joy is not dependent on what we are going through.
This is a wonderful reminder. Prayer IS powerful and joy is found in the foundation of Christ!
Amen, Patricia!! 🙌🏾
I find joy by reflecting on all the pain I’ve dealt with in my life and how I’ve overcome it. Life is nowhere near as bad as it used to be for me.
We are definitely more than conquerors, Marta. Looking back on the things that you have overcome is a great way to put today in a better perspective.
This is so true! I’ve been focusing on trying to be more mindful lately.
Amazing post. People usually equate joy and happiness, but it is two totally different things. I don’t think I’ve reached my level of joy, but I’ll get there sooner than later.
I love your perspective on this. One thing that helps me is keeping the faith that things are happening for a reason even though I may not understand what that reason is. And that I will be a better person for my experiences, good and bad. Thank you for sharing!
For me, it’s a constant reminder that ‘this world is not my home’. If I keep preaching the Gospel to myself I can *more easily remove myself mentally from situations that steal my joy. I’ve noticed if I keep my focus on Christ everything else tends to fade away.
This is really good advice. When you realize that trials WILL come along the way, you can be better prepared. Prayer is really powerful and helpful to staying joyful no matter what your circumstances.
Interesting post. Love how you explained things like the moving part. My way of keeping joy is to have weekly, often daily things to be grateful for.
I find joy in creation – God teaches me about Himself and me there and fills my heart with His love and forgiveness. A great thing for my 41-year-old marriage!
I find joy in being out in nature. Standing next to a lake or river, taking a deep breath and finding peace 🙂
When the journey is hard, and it usually always is, I always remind myself that this is God’s plan. Once I remember that, I find a sort of peace and acceptance that I am going through this, but for a specific reason that I don’t know yet. It is always comforting to know that He is by your side through it all!
Your so right! Life can be tough at times but I do believe that even our challenges are there to shape us, for whatever reason we are meant to go through certain things in life to grow, this is how I manage to keep optimistic when my life or even my relationship is not in the best of places.
I love this post! So many people confuse joy with happiness. I’ve come to appreciate life and all its ups and downs. I feel joy just in being. I believe my son’s autism has given me a different perspective I life. It’s all the little things that bring me joy despite the occasional rain.
Love that you suggest praying for joy! It’s something I often forget, but it so important!
I love your perspective on “joy” and how you explained it slightly differs from “happiness”. I take time to reflect on life and remind myself if not daily, weekly on what little things I should be grateful for – that’s how I keep joy.