J-O-Y

It’s interesting the responses that you get when you ask someone the difference between joy and happiness. We are all looking for happiness; the problem is that happiness is dependent on your circumstances. If the Yankees win, some people are happy, some are unhappy. If you get a raise, you are happy; if you get a bill you are unhappy. If you pay that bill someone else is happy. If someone compliments you, you tend to be happy. If you hear criticism, you’re not so happy.

Joy on the other hand is deep rooted and based on the belief that no matter what the circumstances, someone bigger than us will see us through. We often see joy in children because they know that their parents are there for them no matter what. (Unfortunately we see this less and less due to the demise of the family and family values.) As we get older and are thrust into the reality and responsibility of everyday life, the joy is gone and we look for that quick fix feeling of happiness. We look for happiness in things, places, position or relationships. Unfortunately, this doesn’t last long and we are looking for the next thing that will make us happy. Joy on the other hand is a gift from God. It is not dependent on things, places, or position. It is however, dependent on a relationship, a relationship with God. A relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. The Word tells us: The joy of the Lord is your strength."—Nehemiah 8:10. When we have the joy that is given to us from God, then He gives us the strength through Him to face anything that the world throws at us. I remember when I was a kid we learned that putting Jesus first, Others second and Yourself third was the formula for JOY. I think it is still true today. Oh! and by the way there is another benefit of Joy, real happiness.

Grace and Peace (Joy too)