According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word joy has two main meanings. It can be used as a noun to mean a "feeling of great pleasure or happiness" and also as a verb to mean "rejoice." Joy is happiness that is overflowing SO MUCH that you can't help but rejoice! How great is that? Your heart becomes so full that it overflows onto God and others and I think that is one of the most beautiful traits someone can have, being joyful.

What are some things that make you feel joy? Is it reading a Bible verse that speaks to your heart in such a way that you feel encouraged to share it with others? Is it something as simple as finishing your homework an hour earlier than expected and praising God for it? My desire is to feel joy in everything and anything. Because, let's be real, God is someone to always rejoice over.

Sometimes you may feel like there is nothing good left to be joyful about. You may be saddened by the way the world is, you may feel alone and isolated, or you may even be extremely brokenhearted. But I dare you to find the positive in this.

As James 1, verses 2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Yes, your current situation might not be ideal. You might be under a weight or pressure or pain that feels unbearable. But hold on. Stay joyful thinking about how much stronger you will be after this trial ends. Also, know that Jesus went through everything you ever have and ever will go through, and now He's sitting at the right hand of God. As he says in John 16:33, "In this world you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." In all your trials be joyful that Jesus died on the cross for us that one day we may join Him with God in Heaven. Be happy in this and rejoice to our Maker!

This is why I have decided to choose joy. I choose joy because I know one day all the sorrow of this fallen world will end. I know one day my spirit will be united with God and Jesus. I know one day, everything will be more than just okay. And to me, that is more than worth being happy and rejoicing about.