JOY OVER HAPPINESS
TEXT: PSALM 16:1-11, MEMORY VERSE: 2 CORINTHIANS 7:4
The word “happiness” in our world today mostly connotes worldly pleasures that are fleeting. Happiness is typically understood as a feeling of pleasure, contentment, or satisfaction that comes from experiencing something enjoyable or fulfilling. It’s often linked to external circumstances, like getting what we want, achieving our goals, or experiencing pleasure.
Joy, on the other hand, is a deeper and more profound emotion that comes from within. It’s a sense of inner peace, contentment, and happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances. Joy can be present even in difficult times, and it’s often rooted in a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, like God, love, or a higher purpose.
Here are some key differences:
Happiness is often external; joy is internal.
Happiness is fleeting; joy is more enduring.
Happiness is pleasure-based; joy is purpose-based.
Happiness is self-focused; joy is often other-focused.
In the Bible, joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it is a sign of God’s presence and blessing (Psalm 16:11), and a choice that we can make regardless of our circumstances (Philippians 4:4). This JOY is what Christ wants us to have, regardless and in spite of.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, always remind me to have joy regardless of my circumstances. Amen.