My mom encourages me with the instruction to “be happy.” Mom knows that I have so much about which to be happy, and I am thankful for her precious reminders. However, it seems that people often misconstrue happiness and joyfulness. Happiness is an emotion. Joy comes from the Lord.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22). Joy in our lives is evidence that we walk each day with God. Jesus reminds us in John 15:11: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

However, our circumstances do not dictate if we are joyful. Even when life is difficult, Christians are called to be joyful, regardless of their happiness. James 1:2 makes that very clear: “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.” As Christians, we know that God has a greater plan for our lives: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Most significantly, joy comes from the assurance that God has saved us through his Son, Jesus Christ, and His perfect will will prevail over the world. That is the central message of the Gospel: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

This past summer I lost two grandparents within a week of each other. It was the hardest thing for me to understand. I did not understand why they both had to suffer so deeply. The reality of death and loss hit me hard. I felt so vulnerable. It was such an unsettling feeling. As I was trying to grasp what had happened, I slowly became bitter and eventually unrecognizable to myself. A verse that constantly came to my mind was “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). I repeated that verse to myself until it became true again.

Maybe you, like me, have lost a loved one. Maybe you lost a job. Maybe you suffer from anxiety and depression, and it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders every single day. Maybe you are just trying to graduate college on time and get into grad school, and that pressure is overwhelming to you. No matter where you fit, you are not alone. We are reminded in 1 Peter 5:7 to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Jesus promises us in John 16:22: “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

Turn to Jesus. Walk with him daily. He is the reason for our joy! Demonstrate the joy that you have because of what Jesus has done and continues to do for you.