Are You Happy or Full of Joy

Taken from the life application study commentary in the NIV chapter 5 vs. 3-12. -> "To Jesus blessed means the experience of hope and joy independent of outward circumstances". I love this description. Many times I struggle when searching for the proper words to describe the difference between "Happiness" and "Joy". This commentator describes "blessings" better than I ever could. Regardless of what is going on around us we still have the blessings of Jesus within us. This gift cannot be taken away by any person. It is a gift given by God himself. This is a gift that you and I cannot give, however we can point to it and educate people about it by simply talking to people about how it has changed our lives. As a matter of fact, we are commanded to do that. It is our duty to tell other people about the blessings of having the Holy Spirit living within us. Sometimes this conversation can start by simply asking another person to talk about what is happening in their lives. I think you will be surprised at how many people are open to hearing about the answers that you have found.