Do you know people who always seem to be happy?  You know who I’m talking about.   They are always smiling and you really can’t remember anytime you haven’t seen them not grinning.  These same people just have a glow to them that just can’t be described.  It’s something that we just admire about them or possibly could be jealous of.  This thing, this feeling they have isn’t just an emotion, it dwells within them, it’s a little thing called “joy.”

So let’s take a closer look at it, shall we?   Joy is defined as being an emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.  Joy is a “state of happiness and a source or cause of delight,” according to Webster, but I think God describes joy as a little deeper than that.  You see, when Paul wrote his books he used the word joy with great care.  He didn’t just use the word to mean “happy.”   In Philippians 2:2, he says that his joy is complete by being like-minded in Christ.  What this means is that joy is on a permanent basis.  It’s more than just an emotion.  Being happy can fade away just like being mad can turn into something else.  I mean, I get happy, but it can change quickly as life goes on, right?  He wants joy to dwell within and stay that way.

There are many expressions of this kind of joy.  In Psalms 113:9, the barren woman becomes a mother.  Isaiah 51:11 describes joy as a crown, and speaks of a day when those whom the Lord ransoms will be overtaken by joy.  In 1 Peter 1:8, loving and believing in Christ gives people the inexpressible joy of salvation.  It’s everywhere!

I’m reminded of the story of Esther.  Esther 8 is one more story of how the Jews were persecuted, but then a young Jewish girl became queen and saved the Jews from slaughter.  When the Jews learned that the King gave a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against an impending slaughter they celebrated in the streets.  They "were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere. They declared a public festival and holiday."

An interesting fact about the book of Esther is that God is never directly mentioned.  He is revealed through other means.  Such as the fasting of the people and other character’s religious affiliations.  We see His hand all throughout the book, but not directly.  But what we learn about this fruit of the Spirit, joy, is that it comes from God, though we may not always see His hand in it.  Sometimes we face hardships and trials, and some Christian teens feel like God is not there with them.  Yet, God wants us to have joy and happiness in our lives. Sometimes we find joy in the worst times of our life, and sometimes joy just happens to find us.  Other times we just need to open our hearts to being joyful.

Each day when we wake up we have a choice as to how we will face the day.  Ask God to help you find joy in your life as it is. If you feel persecuted or hurt, ask God to let joy enter your heart.  Find forgiveness and comfort in God so that you can be open and receive the happiness God wants to give you.