On Joy and Happiness
The Word tells us that in the Presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). The Word also tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Having joy, then, is essential to victory in our lives.
But how many Christians do you know who are joyful? I mean truly and deeply joyful. Part of the problem that we don't see more joyful Christians is, I think, that we confuse joy with happiness.
Happiness and joy are not the same thing. Here are some differences:
--Happiness is of the flesh. Joy is of the spirit.
--Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy depends on Christ's Presence within us.
--Happiness comes and goes. Joy remains constant.
We can be joyful even in the midst of the deepest sorrow. We can be joyful even in the midst of the greatest storm. We can be joyful even in the midst of the most perplexing unknown.
So stir up your joy today. It's there inside you, ready to be shaken loose and poured out on all those who cross your path.
And that's my "musing that matters" for today. What's yours? :-)
Blessings,
MaryAnn
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Comments
Remember the Sunday School song we all used to sing," I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! Where?? Down in my heart..........." You are right, it is already in there!!!!! We already have it, it is just up to us to tap into it!!! Awesome.
Thank you so much for the reminder. I think being grateful has a lot to do with whether or not we have the joy of the Lord. If we live in a state of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, even in the deepest sorrow, the joy will still be there. That was my experience during my father's final illness. That deep wellspring of joy can see you through when everything in your life is going wrong.
MaryAnn, a day late, but I still wanted to respond; this musing is so very true: people tend to label feelings, and the labels become the reality. We search for a sense of fulfillment and often the joy is already within. Thank you for reminding me of this.
Yes, MaryAnn, very few people have joy, show joy, understand joy.
Happiness is a coat of veneer that sadness can break through in a blink of an eye.
I believe Joy is a gift from God , like Grace. Perhaps it is a part of Grace. For me it is a very rare blessing. I go to mass on Sunday. I am in the presence of God.I pay attention, listen to the readings the homily, and engage in the Mass as best I can. It is a dignified experience. However, a few Sundays ago my wife and I went to another church and I must tell you the service (at 9:30am) involved children, the music, the hymns, a "down in the aisle" homily by the pastor, Fr. John who exudes, for me, Joy. I felt it and when we left I stopped to shake his hand and tell him of my experience. I must confess it hasn't lasted, which is my responsibility, but I seek joy everyday in the Bible et al and I try to be happy in my interaction with others and pray that some Joy will shine through from a place inside me. Blessings, jim connelly
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Hi MaryAnn....It's always good to be reminded of the difference between joy and happiness. We are so blessed that despite our circumstances, we can still be joyful. I wrote this short poem many years ago. It addresses what you are saying.
"True joy comes from loving Jesus, Not from things that we amass: He alone brings true contentment,
Peace and love that really last."