When we have joy in our hearts, it will be obvious to everyone!
A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
Proverbs 15:13a
Christian joy is more than happiness, which is an emotion. Joy is more accurately defined as an inner state of peace and sense of well being regardless of outward circumstances. Another key ingredient to a joyful life is having a thankful heart. And, a thankful heart is the direct result of remembering and reflecting on who God is and what He is doing in your life.
(from soundfaith.com)
(from soundfaith.com)
Joy flows from a heart that is thankful.
'For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account'
1 Thessalonians 3:9
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day!
All thy works with joy surround thee,
earth and heaven reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flowery meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird and flowing fountain,
call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus
which the morning stars began;
love divine is reigning o'er us,
binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
joyful music leads us sunward,
in the triumph song of life.
Until Next Time
Such a pretty header! Love that song....and I've found joy is contagious! 😀💕💜👐 HOPE you have a joy filled day, Ms. Mary.
ReplyDeleteAlways love your headers, sweet friend...I have been struggling lately with coming up with Happiness posts....like I was just telling a fellow blogger friend, I blame the hot weather for my short temper, smiles.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Mary, thank you.
Very pretty look here! This is a good reminder that joy isn't something that we seek. It is the result of a thankful heart and being in tune with God. Thanks for sharing this, Mary.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely praise hymn, I sang along as I read!
ReplyDeleteI love the hymn and now I will be hearing Steve green singing it in my head all day! Thank you. A joyful, thankful heart is a happy heart.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful old hymn and I sang it as I read the words. I miss the music from the old red Methodist Hymnal that I grew up with. Thanks for this lovely post!
ReplyDeleteYou make me want to sing along "Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee"...I love to hear that with a full organ accompaniment! So full of praise and joy! Thank you for your wonderful thoughts today.
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