Joy is often misconstrued as happiness. Needless to say, they are not synonyms as we would often obscure each term. Happiness, generally, is situationally related. For example, a person MAY celebrate their birthday with friends, family, or co-workers, but not be filled with joy because this might or might not be the event of their choosing. They may not like the fact that they are older. One might be affected by the negative presence of some at this gathering. The gathering itself might be a challenge for someone due to the reminder “they are getting older”. Surprise! Thus, happiness is often rooted in emotion (Bro Forrest Theiss, West Mason COC, February 2022). The Scriptures dictate that God’s creation yearns for something better than life.
Christianity affords us such temporal sentiment but urges us to “seek those things which are above” (Colossians 3:1, NKJV). This is the express difference between happiness and the joy that is found in this world. Therefore, the Bible distinguishes joy as an entirely different facet of mindset. Paul states, “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). In this passage, we find several tenets that help us distinguish between happiness and joy. For example, confidence comes from knowledge (John 8:32). The Christian will often sing, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through”. The joy in one’s life will be demonstrated in practice, not just making melody with our lips (Matthew 6:19-21). Secondly, the Scriptures designate, the saved walk by faith and not by sight. In the wilderness, God presented Himself as Lord of all. Many chose to deny this by begging for the things that made them temporarily happy (Numbers 11:4-6). Going back into Egypt was certain death. Be careful of the temporal items you wish for. Finally, joy is demonstrated by an understanding of the temporary constraints of this life. God’s creation was NEVER limited to life eternal on this earth (2 Peter 3:11-12). We can also accumulate the encouragement needed to choose wisely between the options. Notice the record by Peter, “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). What gives us joy in this present world is the amazing TRUTH given by God; He is FAITHFUL. He is LOVE. He is the LORD. We MIGHT feel amazing before, during, and after a celebration, which warms our soul as in a birthday gathering, but what happens when it has ended? Do we long for more? Do we wish it had never happened?
David resented the fact of his sin (Psalm 32:1). The temporal pleasures had forfeited his son (2 Samuel 12:14). Maybe he found solace in the lesson from Moses (Hebrews 11:25). The bottom line is this, when this world is over, will it be MORE or LESS significant you felt better in this life, or KNOW that you have reaped Heaven as your eternal reward by faith in God? Despite the evidence, most of the world will continue to choose the temporal, not the everlasting (John 6:66). Without a doubt, there is something better than life. It is the cause and crux of Jesus Christ. The life we live in Him may not be a “party”, but it will forever be the BETTER LIFE to choose when given the choice between joy and happiness. Think about these things, and God Bless,
Archie R. Green
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