What is Joy anyway?

Websters Dictionary defines it as:
1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : DELIGHT
1 b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : GAIETY
2 : a state of happiness or felicity : BLISS
3 : a source or cause of delight

That touches on what we are talking about, but in the Bible, more specifically Galations 5:22, the word Joy is translated from a greek word, chara -- pronounced khar-ah. According to Strong's concordance chara (G5479) means Cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight: -- gladness, exceeding greatly, joyful, joyfully, joyfulness, joyous. Chara also comes from the word chairo, pronounced khah'-ee-ro. This word is a primary verb meaning to be cheerful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off, especially as a salutation on meeting or parting to be well -- farewell, be glad, God speed, joyful or rejoice.

Obviously part of having Joy, is being happy. Here is a quote on what we need to make us happy from one very smart guy:
"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about." - Albert Einstein

Another factor, the nagging questions that have perplexed nearly everyone through the ages, and provided much fodder for philosophers is: Where do I come from, what is my Purpose, and the Meaning of Life? This along with, What happens after I die? Do I cease to Exist? Or is there more?

There are many things that can bring us joy or happiness temporarily. The younger we are the easier it is. However, over time we need True Joy. This can only come from walking in "The Way".

Other words translated Joy in the Bible from Hebrew: H8057 H1419 H2304 H8342 H7321 H7442 H8055 H8643 H7440 H1524 H4885 H1525 H6476 H2898 H7797 H7200 H5110 H1523

Other words translated Joy in the Bible from Greek: G5479 G4640 G2167 G2744 G5463 G3685 G0021 G0020

More to come: