Happiness is a state most people remain in because they are content with where they are in life. Joy is an overwhelming gift He gives in utter obedience and pursuit of Him.
Happiness:Happiness is an emotion in which one experiences feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense pleasure.
Joy: Joy is a “state of being”..it could be connected to great or calm delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. More permanent than happiness.
God didn’t call us to live a life of being miserable. He wants us to enjoy this life He has blessed us with, have fun and experience joy. I remember Christianity use to look like a bunch of rules, you had to be a certain way, boring, and way too complex for me. Why would I want any of this when I can just live a carefree life and do as I please? Well, I will tell you why…because I was miserable! Yes, I might tell you I was happy…which was true, but deep down inside I was miserable.
In Psalm 32 King David talks directly about this joy He experienced after he realized how miserable he really was without the joy of the Lord. “Oh, what joy for those who rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, I was WEAK and MISERABLE, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
There are many out there groaning and moaning and complaining all day long. You feel incomplete, longing for something more, feelings of inadequacy, unworthy…but unsure what it is that’s missing. Let me tell you right now…..that’s what the enemy wants you to feel like….he wants you to remain captive….he wants you to remain miserable….drowning in shame….he doesn’t want you to have joy….because when you have joy you have Shalom (peace).
“When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not FEAR bad news; they CONFIDENTLY trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” Psalm 112: 5-8
God intends for us to be joyful even when we are experiencing rough situations in life. Praise Him during the good times and Praise Him even more during the bad times for He will supply your needs…He is with you…He will strengthen you..He will guide your steps!!
~He didn’t promise it would be easy.
~He didn’t promise everything would be perfect.
~He didn’t promise you’d find success at school or work.
~He didn’t promise you’d make a sale if you worked really hard.
~He didn’t promise fame and fortune.
~He didn’t promise the best of the best.
What He DID promise:
We will face discipline–>”As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined? No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening–it is painful. But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:7,11
We will face trials/difficulties–> “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
We will fail, He will never fail us–> “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
God wants to train us, refine us, discipline us because He loves each and everyone of us and wants us to be more like HIM! No matter what you are going through…He can use anybody with any circumstance!
How are you experiencing true joy in your life? Do you find yourself complaining/groaning/moaning all day? What do you need to change so that you are unhindered and able to fully experience the joy He has for you? Do you trust the Lord even in the bad times?
The result of obeying God isn’t a life of boredom, but a life of abundant joy! I pray you find your joy He’s waiting for you to receive!
“Joy is a net of love by which we can catch souls.” Mother Teresa
