Finding Joy in All Circumstances

Its not as easy as it sounds is it? I think that when we’re talking about being joyful its not always what we might immediately think of. Happiness and Joy are two very different things. Believe it or not you can be joyful without being happy and vice versa. Happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes based on circumstance where as joy is a state of being, you can be joyful even on the worst of days if you choose to be. God says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to “rejoice always”, this however is not always an easy command to follow. How do you find joy when you’re missing your boyfriend, family and friends? How do you stay joyful when you’re overwhelmed with school work or stressed out about finances or when you come to a time of suffering in your life? Well thats just it…I’ve come to the conclusion that we can’t hold on to joy by our own power, we need to ask Christ to renew in us a joyful heart even when we don’t feel like being joyful. Maybe this is a lot of rambling but i mean it to be an encouragement to you that you can find true peace and joy in Christ and that no matter what you’re struggling with He can replace your heavy heart with a joyful one :) I love you guys, God Bless! Sincerely, Sarah