Joy is often mistaken for happiness, yet, the two are not exactly the same. There's a big and clear difference between them. Happiness, to me, usually depends on external circumstances, like things happening around us that make us feel good for a moment. But Joy runs deeper than that. It comes from within and for me, it’s deep.
Happiness isn't static, depending on the situation. For instance, when someone achieves something, they become happy for a short while, and then it fades away. But Joy remains steady even when circumstances are uncertain. Understanding this has shaped how I interpret the things happening in my life lately.
Presently, what is giving me immense joy is the job I recently got. For a long time, getting a job was part of my daily prayer to God. You can imagine how frustrating it is to hunt for jobs and not be called for months and stay all day indoors, hoping and waiting for an opportunity. I kept talking to God about it until He answered me and the request was ticked off the list.
However, the joy I feel now is not just because of the job itself. It's also because of the little experiences that have followed since I started working two weeks ago. These experiences kept reminding me and letting me know how God's hands are involved in my journey.
For instance, something happened this morning which I feel is a perfect example.
God planted a man around my area who used to take me in his car as his direction is the same as mine. Every time he picks me up, he drops me off almost at my workplace, and I only need to trek for a few minutes. This has helped reduce my daily transport cost which I have been grateful to God for.
But this morning, I came out a bit late and the man had already left. I couldn't cry and for a moment, I felt sad because I knew it meant I would have to spend more money for the day on transport. Honestly, I never expected such a thing would happen.
Still, I refused to let that spoil my mood for the day. I didn't let the feeling settle in my mind. As I trekked to the junction, I already concluded I would be late to work but I also reminded myself of a truth from the Scripture: All things work together for good."
Not long after, something unexpected happened. I met a woman who paid my bike fare who dropped me right in front of my workplace. Not only did I get to work without spending a dime, but I also got there earlier than I had expected. At that moment, I felt a deep sense of joy. I knew it could only be God and nothing more.
Besides, it wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Since I started working, I have met people who unexpectedly paid for my transportation, either on my way to work or on my way back home. These are little moments that, though they might seem ordinary to some, are beyond that to me. They remind me of how God cares and provides for His people.
Realising this fills my heart with joy because it reassures me that it is truly good to be on the Lord’s side. Even before getting this job, ever since I relocated to Ibadan, I have seen how things kept working out for me in ways I cannot ignore or imagine.
Another thing that has brought joy into my heart is my commitment to building a closer relationship with God. As I continue to grow spiritually, I also see God coming through for me in practical ways.
One scripture has always stayed with me in Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." For me, this verse stood out strongly and has been stuck in my heart - not just words on a page, but something I am beginning to experience in my life.
And that, more than anything else, is what is giving me joy right now.
Images are mine
