02/22/2026
Websters Dictionary defines "Joy" as: a feeling of great happiness or pleasure (delight), the expression or exhibition of such emotion, a state of great happiness (bliss), A source or cause of delight.
We are taught that joy is the same as happiness and I think we miss the true point of what Joy really is. Joy is more than happiness, its steadfast and strong. Happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes based on the situation and circumstances you are currently in. Where as Joy is there no matter what is happening around you.
You hear the word joy in songs you sing in church and I'm sure we've all heard it in sermons, but have you ever really thought about what Joy really is? Have you taken the time to look up the biblical definition of joy? Neither had I! But tonight I did just that, I looked up what the bibles meaning of Joy was...
Biblical definition of Joy (according to gotquestions.com) says that Joy is the product of the Holy Spirit and the character of the heart. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Greek word for joy is chara, and it means the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Joy expresses Gods influence on earth. (Romans 14:7). As you keep scrolling down from the definition it also talks about the different kinds of joy there are.
Joy of Deliverance: When God sets you free you rejoice.
1 Samuel 2:1
Acts 12:14
Joy of Salvation: The greatest reason to be joyful!
Luke 15:7
Acts 8:8
Acts 13:52; 15:3
Joy of Spiritual Maturity: As we lean into God through the Holy Spirit we will become more confident in Gods promises and we will rejoice in our continued walk with Him.
John 15:11
2 Corinthians 1:24; 2:3; 7:4
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; 3:9
Philippians 2:2
Hebrews 10:34; 12:2; James 1:2-4
Joy of God presence: When the Holy Spirit draws us closer to God in His presence we will find and know true joy.
Psalm 16:11
Matthew 2:10; 28:8
Luke 1:14; 24:41
I highly recommend you go look up the definition for yourself and dig into Gods word about joy! I love using gotquestions.com and I will post the link to all this above in the comments if you are interested is where I was reading.
Some food for thought, joy is a fruit of the spirit and in Matthew 7:16-20 it talks about how we are identified by our fruit. We are to have the fruits of the spirit so others can see God in us. When we are out in public and we have unshakable joy others will see what wonder how that is possible and they will ask you and you will get to share with them that because of Jesus you have joy!
I also encourage you to teach your kids about all the fruit of the spirit so they can know when to recognize other godly kids where ever they go, as well as they can shine their fruit for others to want to know more about Jesus!
