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As I read the Bible, several times
the word “Joy” caught my attention. What
is the difference between “happiness” and “Joy”?
Depending on the translation, the Bible
uses the words “happy” and “happiness” about 30 times, while “joy” and “rejoice”
appear over 300 times.
·
The Joy of the Lord is My
Strength – Nehemiah 8:10.
·
Restore to me
the Joy of your salvation- Psalm
51:12
·
What Joy for those who can live in your
house, always singing your praises-Psalm 84:4
·
What Joy for those whose strength comes from
the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem 84:5
·
What Joy for those who trust in you Psalm
84:12
·
I will Joyful in God my saviour Habakkuk 3: 18
·
ALWAYS JOYFUL 1 Thessalonians 5:16
To understand
more on HAPPINESS, one exercise that
we can do; write down specific things that make us happy in this world? Probably
you will have a list of things such as listen to music, a trip, favourite food,
money, friends, etc. when we closely observed all these are temporary and bring
temporary emotional happiness.
Happiness
is depending on what is happening around you. That’s what we see in the world
people are happy when they have money, power, resources etc. when things around
them are good, people are happy. There are many things that influence my
happiness on a daily basis.
The
word “Joy” comes from the Greek root word Chara and means “to be exceedingly
glad”. Joy is entirely different from happiness. Joy, in the Bible context is
attitude of the heart. It is not based on your circumstances or what is
happening around you. When happiness is temporary, joy remains. Joy brings us
peace in the middle of storm. Bible talks about joy in the Holy Spirit. So this
is something God deposit with in us.
James
1:2 says, dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it
an opportunity for great joy. It is obvious that this joy is not depending on
the circumstances. How can ever have joy in the midst of trouble? This is the
joy that God gives you when you put that trouble in His hand. I can testify many times in my life,
that I have experienced the Joy in the midst of confusion, trouble, uncertainty,
etc. This is the Joy that God gives as we depend on God and spend time with
Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Always be joyful, Never stop praying and be thankful
in all circumstances” this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. So this is the command that always be joyful.
No matter what, when, who, where, how your circumstances. Irrespective of our
circumstances we can find our Joy in the Lord.
Always remember
Joy is what God gives you in the midst of trouble when you put that trouble in
God's hands.
