Posted on 02/02/2016 2:24:01 PM PST by metmom
"Rejoice in the Lord" (Phil. 3:1).
Happiness is related to circumstances; joy is a gift from God.
Not long ago it was common to see bumper stickers proclaiming every conceivable source for happiness. One said, "Happiness is being married." Another countered, "Happiness is being single." One cynical sticker read, "Happiness is impossible!"
For most people happiness is possible but it's also fickle, shallow, and fleeting. As the word itself implies, happiness is associated with happenings, happenstance, luck, and fortune. If circumstances are favorable, you're happy. If not, you're unhappy.
Christian joy, however, is directly related to God and is the firm confidence that all is well, regardless of your circumstances.
In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord" (emphasis added). The Lord is both the source and object of Christian joy. Knowing Him brings joy that transcends temporal circumstances. Obeying Him brings peace and assurance.
Joy is God's gift to every believer. It is the fruit that His Spirit produces within you (Gal. 5:22) from the moment you receive the gospel (John 15:11). It increases as you study and obey God's Word (1 John 1:4).
Even severe trials needn't rob your joy. James 1:2 says you should be joyful when you encounter various trials because trials produce spiritual endurance and maturity. They also prove that your faith is genuine, and a proven faith is the source of great joy (1 Pet. 1:6-8).
You live in a world corrupted by sin. But your hope is in a living God, not a dying world. He is able to keep you from stumbling and make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy (Jude 24). That's your assurance of future glory and eternal joy! Until that time, don't neglect His Word, despise trials, or lose sight of your eternal reward. They are key ingredients of your present joy.
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank the Lord for any difficult circumstances you might be facing. Ask Him for continued grace to see them through His perspective and not lose heart (Gal. 6:9). Be aware of any sinful attitudes or actions on your part that might diminish your joy. Confess them immediately.
For Further Study
Read Acts 16:11-40.
What difficulties did Paul and Silas face in founding the Philippian church? How did God use their difficulties for His glory?
Happiness goes away fast during persecution. (i.e. just before your head gets lopped off)
Joy will always be there.
Studying God’s Word ping
Thanks, I needed to read this today.
Yup, and the world confuses the two because it doesn’t even really have a clue about true joy.
Since it is the fruit of the Spirit, only a believer can truly experience joy.
Explains why Paul was singing while in Prison.
I once was going to teach a sunday school class on joy. So I printed off all the verses that mentioned joy. I had an inch thick compilation.
So I taught on encouragement instead.
Amen.
Happiness depends on happenings.
Joy depends on Jesus.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.