Happiness will always be dependent upon forces outside of ourselves. On the other hand, joy is a deep security based on our knowledge that God loves us, will take care of us, and has saved us through Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14). And just because you don't feel joyful right now, that doesn't mean you're a unsaved or a "bad" Christian. Life feels pretty bleak sometimes, but joy is not based on feeling; it is based on knowing. Remember and know that your Savior loves you, loved you enough to die for you, and will be there for you no matter how dark it gets (Psalm 23).
Yes, yes, and yes! Joy is such a little word, but it explodes with a profound meaning.
Depending on your translation, the Bible uses "joy" (or rejoice) over 300 times. "Happiness" (or happy) is only used about 30 times. There has to be a distinction between them, but what is it?
We all have different things that make us happy, based on our various personality or life situations. It makes me incredibly happy to drive to the end of my side street and see that there is no one coming when I pull out into the highway. It's a tiny thing, but it makes me happy. Of course, about sixty seconds later, I am no longer even thinking about that, now wondering if I remembered to bring my lunch.
Happiness, while lovely, is a fleeting thing and really dependent on external forces. Happiness is nearly always an if-then thing. Let me explain what I mean with some examples of happiness from Scripture:
He is a cross pendant.
He is engraved with a unique Number.
He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
Bible Verses About Welcoming ImmigrantsEmbracing the StrangerAs we journey through life, we often encounter individuals who are not of our nationality......
Who We AreWhat We EelieveWhat We Do
2025 by lntellectual Reserve,Inc All rights reserved.
