What is joy and why is it important?

Joy is an emotion experienced by many but understood by few. It's usually mistaken for happiness, yet is unique in its impact on both our mind and body. Joy is not just a mere fleeting emotion – it triggers a host of significant physiological and psychological changes that can improve our physical and mental health.

Why is joy important in life?

There's research to prove that joy boosts our immune systems, fights stress and pain, and improves our chance of living a longer life. Joy is defined as a great sense of happiness and pleasure.

What is the true meaning of joy?

The true definition of joy goes beyond the limited explanation presented in a dictionary — “a feeling a great pleasure and happiness.” True joy is a limitless, life-defining, transformative reservoir waiting to be tapped into. It requires the utmost surrender and, like love, is a choice to be made.

Why joy is more important than happiness?

Emotion. Joy warms a person's heart while happiness merely pleases. This is also because of the difference in the reasons behind the two feelings. Happiness brings pleasure but Joy brings true contentment to one's heart.

How does joy affect your life?

One of the most significant ways happiness affects our health is through its impact on our immune system. Research has shown that people who experience positive emotions, such as joy, contentment and gratitude, have a higher antibody response to vaccines. This can help protect against illnesses, such as the flu.

Where's Your Joy? | Pastor Steven Furtick

What brings most joy in life?

Is joy an emotion or a feeling?

Joy is the emotion that makes life worth living in the moment because it resonates with our core identity. It is associated with feelings of ease, appreciation, and meaning.

What does the Bible say about joy?

The Holy Bible says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10). The Bible says God gives us joy and peace. It tells us that real joy comes from God and is ours forever.

What is the spiritual meaning of joy?

Joy is a choice. Rick Warren gave us this definition of joy: “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

What brings joy?

What is the root of joy?

The root of joy is gratefulness... It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. Look closely and you will find that people are happy because they are grateful. The opposite of gratefulness is just taking everything for granted.

How does God give us joy?

Real joy comes from God, who has invaded us, conquered us, and liberated us from eternal death and sadness—who has given us hope and joy because He has poured out His love within our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us (Rom. 5:5). Joy comes from God, not from within. When we look within, we just get sad.

What is a famous quote for joy?

“He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sun rise.”

Why does joy feel so good?

Although the neurobiology of joy is complex, there are a few neurotransmitters that stand out in promoting positive feelings: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. The good news is that many changes to our lives can increase these neurotransmitter levels.

What is difference between happy and joy?

Perhaps consider the definition of each; happiness is the mental or emotional state of positive/pleasant feelings, while joy is the experience “evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

What are the spiritual benefits of joy?

Through that joy, they unlock a sense of purpose and hope which ultimately releases them from poverty. For God's children, the power of joy is never-ending. Although not one fruit of the spirit is more important than another, joy enables us to experience the others in the way that Jesus did.

What does Jesus say about joy?

The very joy of the Son of God himself poured into our souls. And he says it twice so that we don't miss it. First, to his disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).

Does God want us to have joy?

Psalm 32:11, “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” When you read through these verses, you quickly realize that joy is not a suggestion for the believer, but a command. In fact, it is one of the most repeated commands in the Bible.

What does Proverbs say about joy?

Proverbs 17:22 is true—a merry heart really does a spirit, soul and body good like medicine. There are spiritual, emotional and physical benefits of joy and laughter.

Can you have joy without happiness?

Joy and happiness are completely different things. It is quite possible to be joyful and unhappy. You could also be happy and joy less.

How do I find my joy?

Create positive daily rituals

Even a 15-minute run or an hour-long walk per day can boost your mood, so find exercise you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. Eating right is just as important, and adding mindfulness practices like priming, meditation or journaling will help you feel joy on a daily basis.

Where is joy felt in the body?

The feeling of joy comes from activity in the nervous system, specifically in our neurotransmitters. These transmitters carry chemicals throughout our bodies, including those feel-good chemicals mentioned in the previous paragraph, AKA “joy” chemicals.

How do you build joy?

Who are the enemies of joy?

The devil wants you to have everything that is opposite of joy, such as sorrow, shame, depression, and disgrace to name a few. It is your responsibility with God's help to defend and secure your joy against the devil and his agents with everything you've got. Money cannot buy joy.