“Our understanding of joy is crucial. If our knowledge is inadequate, we will equate joy with happiness. Happiness is an emotion that changes with our circumstances. Joy isn’t tied to our circumstances nor dependent on how we feel. As followers of Jesus, the source of our joy is hope and trust in God.”    (Ultimate Pursuit Chapter 10)                                                         

Our understanding of joy is essential—especially during times when life doesn’t feel joyful at all. If we don’t understand what true joy is, we might confuse it with happiness. And happiness, as we all know, is fragile. It rises and falls with our circumstances—good news or bad news, smooth days or stressful ones, things going our way or falling apart.

But joy feels different.

Joy isn’t connected to how we feel or what we’re going through right now. It doesn’t fade away when life gets tough, nor does it rely on everything being perfect, easy, or enjoyable. Joy is rooted much deeper than feelings — it is anchored in a Person.

As followers of Jesus, our joy flows from hope and trust in God. It comes from knowing that God is who He says He is, that His promises are trustworthy, and that His presence stays constant even when our world is unstable. Joy is rooted in confidence—confidence that God is with us, working within us, and faithful in every season.

• This means you can carry joy through uncertainty.
• You can find joy in waiting.
• You can hold onto joy even in sorrow.

Not because you “feel happy,” but because you trust the One who holds your life.

In a world where emotions fluctuate wildly, joy calls us to stand on something steady: the character and faithfulness of God. And that kind of joy—quiet, deep, resilient—can see you through anything.

 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13