Devotion

Joy is different from happiness. Happiness depends on external circumstances; joy is deep, rooted, lasting—it comes from knowing that God is good, trustworthy, and in control. Joy can coexist with pain. Scripture teaches that the joy of the Lord is our strength. This is not pretend happiness or denial of difficulty but grounded faith that ultimately everything is being redeemed. Joy is cultivated through gratitude, through noticing small beauties, through celebrating small victories, through enjoying simple pleasures. Let joy become your practice. Choose it daily. It is a spiritual discipline and a spiritual gift.