Biblical Answer

Understanding Joy and Love

Joy and love are intertwined, yet distinct concepts. Joy is a state of happiness and contentment that comes from God, while love is an action that brings happiness and fulfillment. When love is present, it creates a bond and a mutual understanding that are joys in themselves. This double delight of joy is when we enjoy what God has given us, and there is a knowing smile that we share with him as we participate in his joy. True joy comes when we learn to enjoy the things that God enjoys.

Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

To find joy in everyday moments when love is present, we need to practice looking for it. We must be willing to welcome joy rather than feel like we are betraying our depression by looking for it. Joy takes practice, and studying joy in the Psalms can be a great way to start. Psalmists didn't even know they were writing about joy; they were simply expressing their praise and thankfulness to God. We must also understand that joy is always far better than pleasure. Pleasure is something brief and temporary, while joy lasts a very long time and can even last forever.

Joy in the Lord

The real object of joy is God. He is what all earthly joys reflect. When we focus on God and the things that have God as their source, we can experience joy. Joy draws attention outward with a non-possessive appreciation for something that is good. For example, we can take joy in the Spirit working within us, and God's splendor can ascend over the sorrow of life. Joy is possible, and we can choose to become experts in it. By understanding joy and love, and by practicing looking for joy, we can experience joy in everyday moments when love is present.