Joy vs. Happiness

Last Sunday our pastor said something that I sort of already knew but wasn't willing to admit to myself. "Jesus is not concerned with our happiness." Ouch. That kinda hurts for a second. And furthermore "Association with Jesus Christ does not give you personal happiness."

He pointed out that Jesus was not one of those political minds offering us "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." But rather what he offers is the pursuit of holiness. It seems to me an important distinction needs to be made between happiness and joyfulness.

You know the saying, Ole Abe used "Most people are about as happy as they make up their mind to be." I suppose that's why he's known as honest Abe, he knew what he was talking about. You determine your happiness. To me it's kinda like when I was at home, I was never allowed to be "bored." In my mother's world that word does not exist and I have carried that with me. Being "bored" is a mindset just as being "happy" is. Make adjustments accordingly to not be "bored" (if there is such a thing). And in the same way make whatever adjustments you deem necessary in order to be "happy." But let me warn you happiness lasts only for a season, joy is forever.

Now for the good part JOY (I prefer that word in all caps). "Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of may kinds." James 1:2 Now I know initially that passage doesn't sound particularly "joyful" but that sums up the difference in happiness and joy. When you're facing trials you can decide to be unhappy. But joyfulness is a way of life, not an emotion or a decision.

For the most part JOY is a word we throw around a lot at Christmas, must be the Christmas carols. On that note, there seems to be a lot of emphasis in the bible to "sing for joy" (even rivers and mountains are singing of it in Psalms). But I digress. That has absolutely nothing to do with the point I'm failing attempting to make.

Joy does not change or falter according to your circumstances like happiness does. Joy is a state of living and being and although we may not feel "happy" when we face trials we can still be joyful in the face of adversity. Because joy comes from only one place: "May the God of hope fill you with all joyand peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Rom. 15:13 Whereas "happiness" can come from something as small as watching Peyton Manning play football. Joy is so much bigger than that. (but I mean come on it has to make you happy to see that Peyton's still got it).

This distinction has changed my way of thinking and I hope it will for you too. I'm in control of my happiness but more importantly than that God has granted me joy. And here's hoping Peyton Manning allows my season of happiness to carry on after tonight.

 

P.P.S. I will be singing "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart." for the rest of the day. And in case you want to do the same and have nightmares, watch this: