According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, joy is defined by such words as bliss, great pleasure, happiness, or delight. Without a doubt, joy can contain elements of these emotions because we have experienced them in certain situations in varying degrees. None of these words are contrary to how the Bible would define joy; however, this seems too simplistic and temporary compared to the biblical view of joy.

“A teenage boy walks along his colony road carrying his Bible. One evening he runs into a group of his friends who have alcohol and are planning to party.” Nancy Friesen tells this story as she shows how God is working in Bolivia.