How often do you hear people say, "Erica is so full of joy"? It's more like, "Erica seems so happy". That's because happiness and joy are two different things, and more often we see people temporarily happy, rather than consistently filled with joy. Happiness is more like a mood, meaning it can change at any given moment. It is our fleshly nature that we are happy when things are going our way and if they aren't, then our flesh will surely show it. It's temporary. Joy is much more than just a feeling. It is possessing great delight and gladness. I want internal joy, not external happiness. How about you?

The Bible is always making mention of being full of joy and being filled with joy. Even, having abundance of joy and having fullness of joy. That gives me the impression that we can have joy that is complete and be filled to capacity with it. Have you ever had all the joy that you can hold, with room for nothing else? When the enemy throws his fiery darts at you or life's circumstances try you, the joy you have produced will not allow these things to weigh on your emotions, or allow you to be filled with worry, doubt or fear.

So, how do we produce joy in our lives? Get in God's presence! You have joy unspeakable in the presence of All Mighty God. That is, having joy on a level that is unable to be explained. That is the kind of joy that the world and the temporary things of this world cannot offer you. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). You can get in the presence of God by praising Him. The Word of God teaches us that God inhabits our praise. (Psalm 22:3). When you praise God, He is present. If you don't know how to praise Him, the Bible even tells us how to praise God- just read Psalm 149. So, there is no excuse- if you want joy- there are detailed instructions on how to get it. Pursue it and use your joy as a witness of what God can produce in your life!

Check Yourself Is joy a product in your life, or are you producing misery, sorrow, and grief? Is joy active and evident in spite of life's circumstance?

Take Action This week sow seeds of praise to produce joy. Make time to praise God everyday and spend time in His presence. Write down what you did, and what was produced as a result.

About the Author

Nicole Martinez a Christian Author, who resides in San Antonio, Texas. She has recently published her second book, What Kind of Seeds Are You Planting?- a guide to producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. You can preview her book at www.lulu.com/nicolemartinez.