Joy defined!

Here are the definitions that man has come up with to best describe "Joy":
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated 
3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety
4. the state of happiness or felicity
5. rapture or bliss

The Joy of the Lord outweighs all these definitions combined. It goes beyond complete satisfaction; beyond contentment; beyond happiness; beyond freedom. It is an unmistakable mark left by the Holy Spirit that only the Lord can impart; it is constant, unwavering, and absolute. Joy is Jesus' everlasting imprint!

I think the reason we observe so many sullen Christians in today's day & age, is because they are not plugged in to the proper source. They look to the world to "make them happy" and base joy on circumstances. It's the "I'll be happy when..." mentality. If you are looking for a source of joy, you won't find it here on earth, Friend. True joy is supernatural! It is not based on the "If I only's..." but rather the "Is your only..." Jesus Christ IS YOUR ONLY conduit for absolute joy.

Isaiah 35:10 - "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
John 15:11 - "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."
John 16:22 - "...I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."

A quote I love: "...this joy was very great, a joy unspeakable, and full of glory; it was not carnal, but spiritual, a heart joy, joy in the Holy Ghost;"

Find Joy in Him, Beloved!