be joyful always

1 Thessalonians 5:16  "Be joyful always"

So I was wondering, what is the different between happiness and joy?

happiness > state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.
joy > a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment.
These are the definition from the online dictionary.

The different between joy and happiness is joy is internal and happiness is external. Joy is not dependent on circumstances or people but rather on a heart issue. Happiness is temporary. When I see something I like, I am happy. If the weather is pretty, I am happy, but it does not last long. Joy is more than a feeling...it is a deep peace.  Joy is a gift from God. Joy is born when we except Jesus Christ and receive his salvation.

I remember when somebody asked me what did I feel when I say the prayer to accept Jesus into your heart. My answer was, "There was joy in my heart". Joy is a gift from God, deposits into my heart and he promised that and no one will take away your joy (John 16:22)

James 1:2  - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
This speaks of the condition of the heart, no matter what trial we face, James told us to consider it pure JOY. God is still in control. James reminds us that God wants us to trust Him in the trials of life. The joy of the Lord gives us strength. The joy that he gives us motivate us to stand strong whenever we face trials.

To know what makes I'm happy, I jot down a list:

• Writing my blog
• A cup of hot green tea
• A phone call from Bo in Vietnam
• Seeing my niece and nephew
• Talking to my mom on the way to work
• Meeting my brothers and sisters in Christ
• Macarons
• Friday nights
• Snapping pictures
• A text message from my brother

I can go on and on...But you see, these are all temporary. The joy that God gives lasts forever. It's within the heart, not the feeling. It's more than words can describe. Being in His presence, singing praises to Him give me joy. Sometime I couldn't utter a word, but the tears of joy keep running down on my face.

God wants us to be joyful always. To keep our hope in Him, to trust in Him, to believe in Him. So, whatever trials you are facing, God knows and He wants you to be joyful, because weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

God bless you and I hope you have a great weekend.
xo Jennie