Joy is a spiritual quality. It is, therefore, the eternal possession of man made in the image and likeness of God, Spirit. It is normal, natural, and right for all of us to express joy at all times. This is clearly indicated by our great Master, Christ Jesus, who declared that he had come that we might have joy. Not only that, but he also told us that his purpose was to bring to mankind the fullness of joy.
Mankind's conception of joy is that of something which comes and goes with changing circumstances. But how reliable or true is such a concept of joy? Is joy something that can be turned on or off as mortal mind dictates, as one turns on and off a faucet? Indeed not! Since joy is spiritual, it is constant.
Mary Baker Eddy has the following to say in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 265): "Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual."
