Joy is not a focus on or circumstance of the positive. Joy does not come from happy thoughts or positive outcomes. It does not come a perspective of good vs bad. Joy comes from purpose. Joy comes from meeting a need. Joy comes from productivity and confidence reinforcement. Joy comes from ‘doing,’ not ‘thinking.’ If one fools themselves into joy, they are foolish. One must focus and work and create in order feel the touch of joy in their being. Joy doesn’t come from an idea of Jesus, joy comes from the calling on your life that Jesus began. Joy comes from emulating the love of Jesus into a group or profession or form. Joy is not the light that shines on you but the light that shines from you. Joy doesn’t come from singing a song, it comes from joining a chorus. Joy cannot exist in isolation.
Being joy-filled/happy is not a choice. Being “happy” or “not happy is not the same as being “good” or “bad.” Or being male or female. Or being sick or healthy. When one contemplates on whether or not they are joy-filled/happy, they look internal to a set of self-proposed variables and make a determination. This determination is similar to whether or not someone is a dog or cat person. Or having any level tolerance to pain. Or having a favorite food. They’re ideas. Joy is not an idea. Joy is a reality. Joy is tangible. Joy can be identified. Joy is found in purpose.
For example: an Elementary school teacher may not find joy in their job. They may have a hard time working with their co-workers. They may be overwhelmed with their lack of financial stability. They may be having a difficult time with many aspects of their life. Their students may give them a hard time. This may be overwhelming to their concept of joy. But they may find joy in a purpose. Maybe that purpose is to serve their students. Maybe it is to serve God and be a light into other’s lives. Maybe that joy is a future event in their life. I believe their joy must be tangible. If they have no purpose and believe they have joy, they’re wrong.
