Joy
Joy is used culturally as synonymous with happiness. Happiness is a temporary emotion that portrays contentment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Many people liken joy for those things as well. But for those of us who know Jesus, joy can mean something entirely different. Joy is the steadfast knowledge that whatever happens in life, there is hope in something greater than the temporary happiness or contentment of life. Joy comes from knowing Jesus and being changed by his love. It is what allows people imprisoned for preaching the Gospel to sing praises to God or people dying to rejoice in the Lord. While, happiness is dependent on life circumstances, joy is reliant on God’s love and steadfastness.
My middle name is Joy and when I was younger it felt like a heavy weight around my neck dragging me down. I thought since it was my namesake that I had to always be positive and happy. Obviously, as I grew up, I learned what joy truly meant and as my relationship with God grew, I knew that He is worthy of a lifelong joyful attitude. I am not saying that it is easy or I always do it well but knowing what is true helps the actions to follow along afterwards.
As Joy is my name, I felt like a celebrity at Christmastime with people always proclaiming “Joy to the world!” It has not been until the last few years that songs talking about joy have popped up outside of the context of Christmas. There is a valuable lesson to be learned from this! No matter what is happening in the world, be it disease, famine, war, or injustice. We can have hope in the sovereignty and love of God. He is good and because of that we can live not as slaves to our circumstances but free in Him! Joy is available to everyone no matter what they are facing! These songs have helped me to be joyful and remember God throughout my days. I pray they do the same for you. First on the list is my favorite song of the bunch! I listen to it every morning as I am getting ready in the morning. “I'm gonna be joyfullll!” serves as a mantra to remind myself daily that my joy is not dependent on my circumstances but on Jesus!
'“Joyful” by Dante Bowe
“Joy” by Santana and Chris Stapleton
“joy.” by For KING AND COUNTRY
“Joy” of the Lord by Maverick City Music
“Joy” by Andy Grammer
“Joy” by Kings Kaleidoscope
“Give Me That Joy” by Terrian
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