Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Joy & Happiness? I have. We tend to
use these terms interchangeably without much thought. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
distinguishes the two by stating that “happiness is a temporary emotion of excitement or
exhilaration that is sparked by a particular moment or event. Joy, on the other hand, is a state of
being that is more long-lasting. Joy is often characterized by contentment and satisfaction with
life overall.”
They seem similar but are different. We see and experience happiness all the time in our daily
life. You see it on the smiling faces of children eating ice cream on a hot summer day. We
experience it when our child passes a difficult exam or when a friend calls unexpectedly just
when you need a friend to talk to. Our hearts skip a beat and a smile unexpectantly crosses
our faces. We may even say ‘Oh what joy that was!’
But that smile and feeling quickly fades and you are soon on to the next thing. There is nothing
wrong with happiness or wanting to be happy, but is it something we should strive for in our
lives? Will it heal a broken heart? Will it allow you to move forward after a tragedy or unwanted
event happens in your life? Does it reflect your character or Christ in you?
James 1: 1 says “Consider it Pure JOY, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds” What?
How can I do that? I have heard people, including myself, say how can I be happy when such
and such happened? James does not say be happy, as in “Don’t Worry Be Happy” song by Brian
McFerrin. He says consider it pure joy. Okay, but how do we put that into action? If we go back
to the definition, it says it is a state of being, or stated another way, a different state of mind.
Instead of using our old stinking thinking, we must search and meditate on God and His word
for His thinking on how we are to respond.
Examples:
1Thess 15:16 says “…. rejoice, pray, and give thanks in ALL circumstances, this is the will of God
for your life.”
Matt 5:44” …love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and
pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you.”
Eph 4:31-31 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from
you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in
Christ forgave you.”
These are just a few of many verses found in the word of God on how to respond when faced
with an unwanted problem, trial, or trauma in our life. Phew, not easy, is it?
I came across the biblical definition of joy, which I believe puts it all together as to why we are to
behave as Christ did (hint as stated above) in trials of various kinds. The biblical definition of joy
says that “joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit,
abiding in God’s presence and from hope in His word.”
Wow, what a distinct perspective. Instead of abiding in self-pity, anger, or hopelessness, we are
to abide in God’s presence. Have hope and faith in His word. If we genuinely believed what
God’s word says we would put His words (noted in the verses above) into action during our
trials. We would seek God’s help in having forgiveness in our hearts instead of anger and hate.
We would do something good to the person who purposefully caused us pain. I know it is not
easy. But God must know something that our human nature does not.
Know that your joy is dependent not on your circumstances but on WHO Jesus is! When we can
flip that switch, we will then be content and filled with HIS JOY.
Question: Will you find Joy by trusting Jesus and the Word of God or trust your feelings looking
for happiness? The choice is yours.
