Tips on Tuesday: I Choose Joy

Recently I've been focusing on finding joy in all things. I have been meditating on scriptures referencing joy and a few seminars I've recently been to indirectly shed more light onto the subject of joy.

One of the biggest 'Ah-ha' moments has been realizing that happiness is not the same a joy. Happiness is an isolated event or moment in time. When that moment or event is over, the happiness is gone.

Joy is a decision and a lifestyle and an emotion that is constant and enduring. Joy doesn't come from a specific event or moment, joy comes from within. Joy is an overlying attitude towards life. I don't have to be happy to have joy. Doesn't that sound crazy?? It sounds ludicrous, but it is absolutely true. I don't have to be 'happy' to have 'joy'. I can be joyful even in the midst of sadness or bad circumstances.

Next week I'll share some of my joy-filled scriptures with you. But for now, I encourage you to think about happiness versus joy. Choose to be joyful in all things--no matter what the circumstances.

Let me know your thoughts on happiness vs. joy.