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How does joy arise? Joy is a reaction to a happy event, something beautiful that I have experienced, an emotion in a pleasant situation or the memory of it. This is a joy that depends on my circumstances, on how I feel, on events that happen to me.
Paul writes in Philippians “Rejoice at all times!” But there are also circumstances that do not give rise to joy, difficulties, challenges, problems, crises, bad days. How can I be happy there at all times?
So there is a joy that does not depend on circumstances, but is constant at all times, and which I can remember especially in difficult situations. Where does this joy come from, where is the source of this joy?
If I read on in Philippians, Paul describes the origin of this joy:
“Rejoice at all times because you are connected with the Lord”
Another Bible translation reads:
“Rejoice in the Lord always”
The secret lies in the connection with God. God is the source of joy.
My joy comes from knowing that God is with me no matter what the circumstances are. This is a joy that nothing and nobody can take away from me and that also leads me through the valleys of life. The relationship with God is the key to this joy that never fades. Through fellowship with God, I can change my perspective even in difficulties, challenges, problems, crises and bad days. I look to Jesus and his presence instead of what is bothering me. His love and the joy he gives carry me through.
“One joy dispels a hundred worries” (Japanese proverb)
“To be close to God is my happiness” Psam 73:28
“The joy in the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10
