Finding Joy

   “I learned from experience that joy does not reside in the things about us, but in the very depths of the soul, that one can have it in the gloom of a dungeon as well as in the palace of a king.  “St. Therese of Lisieux 

   If we are looking to be happy in this world we will often be disappointed.  The things of this world are not the true source of happiness; they are artificial and, in most cases temporary.  True happiness and joy comes only with the love of God.

   I believe happiness and joy are two related, but very different things.  Happiness comes and goes, sometimes on a daily or even hourly basis depending on human wants and desires.  Joy, on the other hand, is in the knowledge that regardless of our earthly woes and troubles, our Lord is with us always, to strengthen and comfort us.

   St. Paul wrote, “We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.” (2 Cor 8 – 10).  There is the source of joy; Christ within us.

   The happiness of this world is most often fickle and does not last.  But the joy that comes from the knowledge of God and His presence within us conquers all, promising the true happiness of eternal life in His kingdom.