Today, we are going to talk about happiness. I want you to think about the definition of happiness and what it means to you. Think about what makes you happy and what makes you sad. I want you to think in great detail about the things and people that make you smile and laugh every single day.

Happiness is defined as feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. How happy are you?

Be honest. What determines happiness for you?

What makes you happy?

Did you pass all of your summer classes? Did you get to go on a date with that special someone? Did you spend time with your friends? Did you find out something new about the person you love?

I want you to understand that happiness is based on our circumstances, the people around us, and our overall level of contentment.

I think there is something more beneficial and deeply satisfying than happiness. The happiness that you feel in one moment can easily be turned into sadness in the next moment...

We are constantly looking for a source of happiness or gratification. Something or someone that will shine a light on the darkness that is all around us. This is something we do over and over in our lives without even thinking about it. I'm going to step out of my comfort zone and say something kinda harsh... your happiness is superficial.

You are probably thinking: "Who is this girl?"

I'm not telling you anything that you don't already know. I'm asking you to stop placing your happiness on the things and the people around you. Stop looking towards your circumstances and wishing that they would change. Give up happiness and find joy. Joy is deeper, more profound, and completely satisfying.

You're probably wondering what the difference is between joy and happiness and what that has to do with your life. Let me tell you a secret: I have the answer.

Joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world.

I spent most of my life trying to figure out how to be happy. I would've given anything to have someone come to me and show me the truth about joy and happiness. There came a time in my life, a season where I was depressed ALL of the time. I hit obstacle after obstacle on the way to happiness and nothing helped, nothing changed the way I felt.

I was tired of chasing something fruitless and superficial like happiness, and I wanted something deeper. I started to reach out for something (and someone) greater. To be honest, it hasn't been the easiest journey but it has produced something in my life that I never thought could be mine: joy.

There are a great many horrendous, horrific, and horrible things in this world, but those things don't have to define me and dictate how I feel. The moment I realized this, my life changed forever. No, the pursuit of joy is not easy... not even a little bit. I couldn't have it without my relationship with Jesus Christ. I knew deep in my heart that there was a void, a big, black hole that could only be filled with God. Gradually, I have realized that Jesus gives me joy.

I can look at my life now (even the bad parts) and say that God is with me. Even little moments are full of a deep, profound peace that doesn't come from this world. I really want everyone to experience this same joy.

I talk to so many people that struggle with depression and a lack of joy in their lives... They tell me about the hard things and trust me, I can relate to hard things. When I hear what they are going through, it breaks my heart. I realize that there are so many people that need to hear this message. I want you to know that joy is out there. Freedom is out there.

I want you to experience the love, joy, and peace of a relationship with Jesus Christ. I want you to spend the currency of your time on the pursuit of Christ. I want you to know God and to make Him known. You can always find joy in Him. You'll become a life-giver, a joy-bearer, and a disciple of the one true God.

This change has to start with you. You have to make it happen.

I know that it isn't easy. I know that life is hard, dark, dirty, and often complicated. I can't deny those things because I have experienced them myself.

Please hear me. In the middle of your circumstances, you can have joy. I have never been so certain of anything in my entire life.

I am here to tell you that joy is possible.

Freedom is possible.