Joy lives on the inside. Happiness only comes from the outside.

God’s joy lives independently. It is self sustaining and sustains.

Joy creates…It creates hope.

Determination.

Peace.

Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV)

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD IS your strength.”

The joy of the LORD “IS” implies that joy is established…just like God Himself. God IS. This is because joy is a Fruit of His Spirit and an aspect of His character. Joy has power.

Joy protects the peace inside your heart.

Happiness is symbiotic, depending on the temporary condition that created it.

They both live and die together.

Happiness depends on something to happen. Notice this…

John 13:17 (KJV)

If ye know these things, happy are ye IF ye do them.

Happy are ye “IF” implies something has to happen first.

Even happiness about spiritual things depends on a condition…joy.

Happiness has no power. Happiness is not a Fruit of the Spirit. It is vulnerable to situations.

God gives joy. The world gives happiness.

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The devil wants to steal your joy.  And, he can sometimes manipulate situations to allow happiness, or the lack thereof to steal, kill or destroy your joy.

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Don’t let what’s going on around you kill what’s inside you.

Let what’s inside rule what’s going on around you.

Protect your heart…Protect your joy.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

BE BLESSTIFIED!