Something that we moms tend to forget is that there is a significant difference between the feeling of happiness and the state of joy. In the midst of our long mommy days when happiness is no where to be found, we must grasp onto the fact that being joyful is still possible.
What is Happiness?
HAP’PINESS, n. [from happy.] The agreeable sensations which spring from the enjoyment of good; that state of a being in which his desires are gratified, by the enjoyment of pleasure without pain….
What is Joy?
JOY, n.The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune,the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits.
Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good.
JOY, v.i. To rejoice; to be glad; to exult.
We must remember that TRUE JOY comes from the Lord.
John 15:11
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Isaiah 61:10
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
Being joyful comes from looking forward to the good things that are coming. Remembering that the clouds will clear and the sky will be blue again. Knowing that as we disciple our children and point them to Christ, there will be fruit for this labor of love.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
So while our circumstances or the struggles we are facing may not bring us a feeling of happiness, we must remain focused on the Lord and draw strength from Him via the joy He provides us!
Our attitude and spirit must remain joyful….no matter what our feelings tell us.
This is very important as a mother because our children learn from how we act, and what we do and say.
If our kids are not joyful, if they are not filled with joy from the Lord, then we need to look at ourselves and see what we’re teaching them by our example. We are the illustration that they see most.
Our children should want to be like us, but what patterns, behaviors and attitudes are we portraying to them? Do we want them to be like us?
As mothers, we have the ability to direct the spirit of our homes. This is a very powerful ability, and one that we must never forget. What spirit is your home filled with daily?
We must ensure that our spirit is one with the Lord and recognize that being joyful is found in uniting our spirit with Him!
Remaining joyful in the Lord is the key to a joy-filled family and home! May we each strive to fill our homes with joy this year!
