September 18th
"Is joy, or happiness, a passing emotion or a permanent state?"
The Bible says it can be both. There is happiness that reacts to happenings (which is temporary and volatile), and there is happiness that overrules happenings (which is strong and lasting). Happiness based on happenings is part of life, but if that is all we can count on we have to keep feeding ourselves with events to keep us upbeat. Those who know the joy that comes from God don't need happenings to keep them happy. They learn how to develop inner joy because they know no matter what happens, God offers hope and promise.
I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!
Psalm 16:8-9
Heaven
