On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your level of joy?

When a friend was asked this question, her reply was “1.” She shared, “I’m happy, living a relaxed life, doing what I want, but I am not joyful.”

Clearly there’s a distinct difference between happiness and joy. Author Oswald Chambers offers this explanation: “Joy is different from happiness, because happiness depends on what happens. There are elements in our circumstances we cannot help; joy is independent of them all.”

So where can we find joy? In God!

The numerous commands to rejoice in Him (Psalm 5:11, Psalm 9:2, Psalm 32:11, Psalm 40:16; Philippians 3:1, 4:4) show that it’s possible for all believers—regardless of temperaments—to experience the joy of the Lord. And because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we can rejoice in His attributes as well as His actions during good days and bad days.

The author of Psalm 43:1-5 knew this truth objectively, but subjectively he felt sad and discouraged. I’m sure we can all identify with him. Let’s look at what he did to find joy again: First, he spoke to God about his circumstances (Psalm 43:1-4). But more than simply asking God for deliverance, he asked for light and truth that would guide him to God and His exceeding joy. Second, he spoke to his soul (Psalm 43:5). Preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones, described the importance of preaching to ourselves: “Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself?”

Let’s learn from the psalmist. Preach hope to your soul when your circumstances are speaking of despair. Tell yourself: “Hope in God,” “praise Him again,” for He is “my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 John 3:1-24