“ The Joy of the Lord is your strength.” ( Nehemiah 8:10)

This is an oft quoted line from the Bible and perhaps a very strong assurance that we can carry with us. It signifies the Joy within you, the Presence and also the Strength. Obviously the three-in-one gift is from the Holy Spirit and hence not man made.

Often we confuse Happiness with Joy. Though they are both states of the mind , there are differences that one should understand to be able the realise and enjoy them.

Happiness is an elated state of the mind which is dependant on the circumstances outside or the people around you. You could be happy looking at beds of beautiful flowers one moment and feel sad the next moment when you see them being cut or collected for some commercial purpose. You could be happy that your mother made something delicious for you to eat for dinner, but may feel frustrated at your siblings eating the major portion and leaving you with only a small wee bit to chew. Thus in a day you are bound to feel happiness and sadness, plus all other negative or positive emotions in succession.Sometimes you will not be able to keep pace with the myriad emotions that race through your mind, depending on the situations at hand.

Joy is a state of peaceful elation of your mind. It does not need outside circumstances to trigger it or make it last within you. As we say, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to you as a blessing for the faith, the sheer dependency on Him and the deep rapport that you share with the Lord . When we look within us and make peace with ourselves and the Maker, then overflowing streams of joy abound in us which can stand us through any difficult situation or trying circumstances. Joy is not short lived like happiness: to feel joy is like the springs of cool, crystal clear gushing water flowing through your body, mind and soul bringing life and hope with it.

But, to be happy here,you need to make a conscious effort and a mindful choice. You must ‘decide’ to be happy at all costs. Come what may, you will let nothing spoil your day or moment. Once that firm decision is made, you will find it easier to tackle disappointments, setbacks and failures. Make sure you wear your best smile with your best dress, give yourself a treat and indulge in happy moments as best as you can.Your mind will then tune in to that happiness frequency and you will be ready- full on, charged for the next spin of life !!

Lord,

I come to You today to help me make the decision to face all the setbacks in my life…by choosing to be happy, as You wish me to be. I am aware that with every good thought, word, choice and action, I am making a positive impact all around me. But I cannot do anything without Your abundant Grace and Favor. Help me, Lord, to choose right and to feel blessed, grateful and happy. Fill me withYour Joy that I may remain strengthened at all moments of life. In Your Name.

Amen.