Experiencing joy when things around us may feel out of control

It is so easy to confuse “happiness” and “joy.” Happiness is a good feeling based on good things that happen to us. Joy is a gift from God. We can experience joy even when things around us may feel out of control. Giving thanks to God releases joy in our lives, which gives us the strength we need to face our battles. The bible teaches us, “The joy of the LORD is our strength (Neh. 8:10). Let’s not allow the devil to steal our joy. The enemy knows if he can steal our joy, we will lose our strength.