Proverbs
17:22 A
joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
“Joy is a deeply personal
emotion. No one can truly tell if another person is joyful on the inside. One
of the external manifestations of joy, however, is nearly always a quickness to
smile and an ability to laugh deeply.” (pg. 178, Deadly Emotions)
Joy is an abiding or
enduring emotion. It comes from a sense of contentment or peace that is deep
within. Joy does not depend on circumstances. It is built on an inner sense of
personal value, purpose, fulfillment or satisfaction.
Happiness is not the same as
joy. “Happiness is a feeling of pleasure, contentment or a sense of well-being
that comes from the outer environment or event that a person is experiencing.
It is temporary and dependent upon eternal factors – including what others say
and do.” (pg. 186)
Joy is lost when we choose
to make other circumstances in life more important to us. Some lose their joy
by allowing controlling people, unloving family or strict rules to be the
measuring stick for our peace and joy. Some lose their joy when they stop
setting goals, stop engaging life with other people or give up on the future.
Joy is a choice. It is
not the result of circumstance or the outer world around you. Joy flows from
within your will and deep seated emotions. You can choose to be joyful, or you
can choose to be miserable. Nobody can make these inner choices for you.
