Joy vs. Happiness

With fond memories, I recall Christmas holidays from long ago. It is true that many years have passed since my childhood, but I still love celebrating the happy feelings of Christmas. In my mind's eye, I can see and hear and experience those lovely past holidays. Now, in the quiet of this morning, I watch the soft glow of Christmas tree lights while listening to holiday music. My senses embrace the sights and sounds of Christmas.

And I recall the happiness that filled our family Christmas gatherings, the anticipation and excitement, especially from a child's perspective. I also remember how quickly my happiness seemed to vanish once all the gifts were opened and the guests returned home. As I grew older, I sometimes felt anxiety and even fear as my thoughts returned to school, homework, and kid-sized responsibilities in the coming weeks.

Now, as adults, my sister and I laugh at how we waited for snowstorms. Growing up in western Pennsylvania, we were well-acquainted with snow, ice, huge icicles, snowplows, and great hope for a snow day away from school! We entertained silly thoughts of how to use snow to block the street to keep the school bus from coming through! We even spent time wondering if snowplows ever run out of gas, unable to clear streets? Such are the silly desires of children, living in the moment of happiness. Now, I wonder about our grandchildren and the little ones in our neighborhood and at church. Are they too looking for the next fun event, a snowstorm, or a new store-bought item to indulge their happiness?

Are we learning from a young age that more new stuff or more busyness holds the key to happiness?

And the desire for new is not just an element in the current generation. Among our more seasoned family members, we still reminisce about how we tormented our parents, repeatedly asking how and when our Christmas wish lists would be fulfilled. As adults, do we still hold that desire for something new to grab our attention at Christmas? Are we still chasing the next shiny thing? Are we unfulfilled in our journey to happiness? And do we try to fill that empty space with a new car, bigger house, fancier boat, better cell phone, job promotion, or even a different spouse?

Is there a true difference between JOY and Happiness?

I am reminded that our heavenly Father knows our thoughts and desires. He knows what we need before we ask. He hears our spoken and unspoken prayers about people, things, events, and special blessings. And we know that in Scripture, Jesus taught His disciples about His heavenly Father's love. Jesus used the example of a parent's love and natural desire to provide for his children. "Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?" (Matthew 7:9-10, NKJV).

How much more does our heavenly Father then want the best for us? But how do we find His best?

Consider the concept: Joy vs. Happiness!

I believe the Lord reveals things to us when we are able to receive and understand them. As a follower of Jesus, through prayer, study and application of His Word, I firmly believe that the Lord wants us to know that JOY is indeed different from Happiness. I believe that JOY is actually the lifestyle of a believer who follows Christ. I also believe that Happiness is a fleeting emotion, something that we all experience, but not the permanent lifestyle that Jesus wants us to pursue. Even infants, children, and unbelievers feel happiness. I believe that we, as believers, should yearn to grow in our relationship with Christ and desire to grow in the lifestyle of JOY. Indeed, ask, that your joy may be full!

"Until now, you have asked nothing in My Name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:24, NKJV). How does that work, you ask? Can I have joy when my kids are sick? When we lack money to pay our bills? When a family member has cancer? When my company is down-sizing, and my job is in jeopardy? When the hurricane destroyed my home?

As we walk with Him and grow our relationship and lifestyle of JOY, Jesus reminds us that the answer is "Yes!" "Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and the end intended by the Lord -- that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." (James 5:11, NKJV).

We suffer all things in this fallen, natural world, but as we look forward in hope to eternity in the Kingdom of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we will no longer suffer. "Therefore, you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one can take from you." (John 16:22, NKJV).

Jesus reminds us, "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and HIs righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:32-33, NKJV).

Let us all be reminded of the reason for our hope! Ask our heavenly Father to help you embrace the lifestyle of JOY in Christ Jesus. During this blessed Christmas season, consider releasing the pursuit of shiny things. Instead ask our heavenly Father that your joy may be full and pray to receive a lifestyle of JOY in all things as you walk more intentionally in your relationship with Jesus.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How might you make changes in your family Christmas celebrations to point your family to JOY?

2. What are you already doing that helps you maintain a lifestyle of JOY as you encounter challenges in your life?

3. What shiny things are distracting you from a lifestyle of JOY?