By Joy: a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world; the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.
Joy is often seen as a feeling obtained through a good experience, but that is largely untrue. While joy can be felt as a result of a good moment, joy is not only found in the happy times. Joy is also a choice.
These definitions of joy represent this well by showing us that not everything in our life has to be right and good to feel it.
Joy is a good feeling produced (created) by the Holy Spirit, who is inside of us. This happens as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world.
This definition doesn’t say that we’ll see beauty as our circumstances change. Instead we see beauty as our perspective changes.
Oftentimes, we have no control over our situations and circumstances. We do, however, have control over how we perceive it. And when we allow the Holy Spirit to live inside of us, He will produce these feelings and we will begin to have our perspective shifted.
Joy is also resting in the fact that God is in control — He’s got this! — being confident that He’s going to work it out; and choosing to praise Him no matter what.
When our circumstances and situations are bad, we can find joy in knowing that we’re not in this alone. God is with us, He’s still in control, and He’s going to work it out.
And through all this, we can choose joy by praising Him in every situation.
So this week, cast your worries on God, trust Him, and praise Him through the storm. Your God’s got this!
Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license.
An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life.
Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her.
You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige
by leaps and bounds 