In Sunday’s sermon, I promised to blog about “What Does Joy Look Like?” since we were running short on time. Well here it is and I hope that it bring you Joy!

What does Joy look like? How do we spot in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Now some times we think joy is found in the celebration or the person that is loud. But that is not always the case. Joy can be found in peace during uncertainty. Joy can create steadiness during hardship. Joy can allow us to express gratitude in small things. Joy comes out when hope survives disappointment. Joy allows a person the ability to worship while grieving and continuing to love despite difficult circumstances. Joy helps a person to endure the difficult circumstances, and dare I say people, without bitterness.

Happiness on the other hand usually says things like: “I feel good because circumstances are good.” Whereas, Joy says: “I still have Christ even when circumstances are hard.”

Joy is what allows Paul and Silas to sings in prison in Acts 16:25-32

Joy allows David to worship when is own son, Absalom, is seeking to kill him.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

Psalm 63:5-6

We also know that it was joy that helped Jesus endure the cross.  

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

These are just a few of the ways that we can see joy in our lives. How do you see Joy manifesting in your life today? Remember, the more you abide in Christ, the more joy you will have and experience.