Even though you may understand the difference between joy and happiness you still may not be experiencing joy in your life.  In the Old Testament we see that King David experienced this problem.  He not only lost his joy, but he was miserable.    Listen to David’s testimony in Psalm 32, “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me; my vitality drained away as with the fever heat of summer.”  One of the reasons why we may not have joy is because of sin in our life. 

 Is there anything that may be hindering your walk with God?  God does not want you in anguish, but He wants you to abide in close fellowship with Him.  What is the answer?  David said he acknowledged his sin to God and God forgave the guilt of his sin.  Listen to David’s prayer in Psalm 51, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will be converted to Thee.” 

 If sin is hindering your relationship with God there is a solution.  Proverbs tells us that “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.”  Forsaking your sin means to give it up – to abandon it.  When you stand clean before God the Holy Spirit can flow through your life and empower your ministry and restore God’s joy in your life.  A joyful Christian has a countenance that makes people notice.  Stephen Olford has said, “Joy is the flag that flutters at the mast when King Jesus is in residence.”  If the Lord Jesus is reigning in your heart – then let people know!