Joy

Joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart. It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. It is something or someone that provides a source of happiness. It appears 88 times in the Old Testament in 22 books; 57 times in the New Testament in 18 books.Jason Gatrich. "The Joy of the Lord." http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/13938.htm 
Christians should always find reasons to be joyful. There are many ways to define joy. Joy isn't just a smile or a laugh. Joy is something that is deep within and doesn't leave quickly. When we have the joy of the Lord, we'll know it and so will others. Since joy is given by God and something that He wants us to have, we need to be joyful! In addition to being joyful, we should let others have their joy and not bring them down when they are excited about good things. The only thing worse than not having joy is stealing someone else's.
Spending eternity in Heaven with God, the saints and the angels is something incredible! Ask for joy! If we can't find reasons to be joyful, our perspective must change. God lets us have blessings every day. We should be able to see them and thank God for them. Additionally, we should ask for God's blessings! Some think they should be blessed with joy automatically, but God's Word says "you have not because you do not ask." (John 15:16) 
God's Holy Spirit produces joy. Joy is a product of Christ-likeness. When we seek God through His Word and prayer, we will receive joy! Thank God that joy is something He wants us to have!
Joy is the second "fruit of the Spirit," according to Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is...joy...."
Reading the scriptures will bring us joy! "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:4)
We will also see where the Bible gives us specific times to be joyful. Lastly, I've listed ways that God has given me joy! If you're lacking, pray and try some! Enjoy this lesson and God bless you!
If we can't find reasons to be joyful, our perspective must change. God lets us have blessings every day. We should be able to see them and thank God for them. Additionally, we should ask for God's blessings! Some think they should be blessed with joy automatically, but God's Word says "you have not because you do not ask". Ask for joy!
Peace and joy go together. Give good advice and give peaceful advice. When we try not to fight and hate others, and decide to get along, we will experience peace and joy.
God's Holy Spirit produces joy. Joy is a product of Christ-likeness. When we seek God through His Word and prayer, we will receive joy! Thank God that joy is something He wants us to have! (1 John 1:4)
Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
Proverbs 12:20 "Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy."
Proverbs 21:15 "It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity."
Ecclesiastes 2:26 "For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind."
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)
== See also ==
* Christian hedonism
* Suffering
== External links ==
* Quest: Joy, Found: Christ!, by John Piper
* Can Joy Increase Forever?, by John Piper
Category:Christian living