Joy, Mindfulness and Being Present in GOD’s Blessings

Joy is defined as: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Some synonyms are delight, jubilation, triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happiness, gladness, glee, exhilaration, elation, euphoria, bliss, ecstasy, rapture.

I think of joy as a state of high fulfillment. I read that one way to seek it is being more aware of what gives us joy in our moment-to-moment lives.

The Quran tells us that [83:24] You recognize in their faces the joy of bliss.

[10:64] For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is GOD’s unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph.

So, what brings us joy?  I know for me joy can come from seeing and thinking about a wonder of creation.

[35:27] Do you not realize that GOD sends down from the sky water, whereby we produce fruits of various colors? Even the mountains have different colors; the peaks are white, or red, or some other color. And the ravens are black.

Joy comes from being reminded that the One taking care of creation is so magnificent.

Joy is a moment to moment experience.

One needs to be conscious and appreciative to enjoy it.

We experience the joy of His presence. “In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalms 16:11).

“Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, you righteous: and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart” (Psalm 32:11).

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Often, we’re so trapped in thoughts of the future or the past that we forget to experience, let alone enjoy, what’s happening right now. We sip coffee and think, “This is not as good as what I had last week.” We eat a cookie and think, “I hope I don’t run out of cookies.”

[47:12] GOD admits those who believe and lead a righteous life into gardens with flowing streams. As for those who disbelieve, they live and eat like the animals eat, then end up in the hellfire.

Instead, relish or luxuriate in whatever you’re doing at the present moment—what psychologists call savoring. There are verses in the Quran that remind us to enjoy what we have been given.

[7:144] He said, “O Moses, I have chosen you, out of all the people, with My messages and by speaking to you. Therefore, take what I have given you and be appreciative.”

[11:86] “Whatever GOD provides for you, no matter how small, is far better for you, if you are really believers. I am not a guardian over you.”

When we say ‘I want this’ or ‘I want that’, what we actually want to do is to work on the joy and appreciation for how much we already have. We want to increase our joy capacity. A goal in my opinion might be to have fewer things and only the things that we get the most joy out of. The need for joy is fundamental; it’s a drive towards God.

[20:130] Therefore, be patient in the face of their utterances, and praise and glorify your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. And during the night glorify Him, as well as at both ends of the day, that you may be happy.

How can we bring more moments of joy into our lives? What are the tools of joy?

[10:58] Say, “With GOD’s grace and with His mercy they shall rejoice.” This is far better than any wealth they can accumulate.

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