The worldly version of joy in the video below sounds good, but it is based on external things that can be taken away in an instant. Relationships, sex, money, food, vacations, romance, children, nice homes and cars, good health, they can all leave us lonely and  wanting. There is a place in our hearts that is meant to be filled with love for and from God . We can only fill this hole by knowing and accepting Jesus.

The Bible has some other ideas.

• James 1:2-4  (ESV) ² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
• Phillipians 2 (ESV) So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
• 1 Thessalonians 2 (ESV) ¹⁹ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.²¹ 
• John 16 (ESV) When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 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. ²³ In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ²⁴ Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

True JOY only comes from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, the only son of the living God. Joy is a state of mind, a peace, a condition that we can have even when things in our lives are not peaceful, good or happy. Happiness and joy are not the same thing. Jesus gives us a supernatural joy that we can’t get from the world.

Pacific Garden Mission is a homeless shelter and mission in Chicago, a city that is a mixture of beautiful skyscrapers, museums, a shining lake, and gangs, homeless, racial discord and crime. In this building , desperate people come to escape the cold or violence or hunger. I discovered PGM and the Unshackled radio drama while listening to Christian radio many years ago. I was blessed to go and visit Chicago in 2014 and take a tour of the mission. I was happy to confirm that this place is truly a spirit-filled, gospel-preaching refuge that changes lives. They truly care and their most important goal is sharing the gospel with all who come to the mission, but they provide meals and a bed and a Bible program as well. Please listen to this encouraging story of a heroin addict who finds Jesus.  Then find them on your local Christian radio station . If you can, please donate to the mission. God bless you!