“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalms 28:7 NLT
Happiness is described as dependent on external circumstances being right, an emotional response to a pleasing situation. Whereas joy is seen as a much more enduring feeling not so dependent on circumstances but on being connected to God! Happiness might be expressed in laughter, but joy is expressed in thanksgiving, an appreciation of God’s presence, His love and His strength! Lord thank you for those times of happiness when all seems right with the world but more than chasing those fleeting moments, help me to seek You and to experience the satisfaction that comes from knowing You, finding joy in Your Word, in obeying Your commands, and in loving You by loving others! Thank You for being my strength and my shield, may the song of my heart and the words on my lips be a real expression of joy today. Amen ❤️🙏🏼