Happiness And Joy

HAppiness ANd JOy

As the Christmas season approaches, the words "happiness and joy" are more frequently being inserted into commercials, advertising and the songs of the holiday. That warm and cozy feeling washes over us as we dream of being happy and joyful; but is there a difference between the two?

Happiness: a state of well-being and contentment, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

Joy: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires, a source or cause of delight.

The  definitions at first glance seem so similar, but in reality, the meanings are huge! There are many things that can bring both happiness and joy, but one is fleeting and the other lasting. The late pastor and president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Adrian Rogers once said:

"Happiness is temporary, but joy is eternal. Happiness depends upon outward experiences, but joy comes from within." - Adrian Rogers

Happiness is an emotion caused by outside influences or things that 'happen to' you, such as winning the lottery or getting a raise. Joy is an emotion caused by something that 'happens in' you, like a profound spiritual transformation or the birth of a child. Joy, unlike happiness is internal and eternal. Joy does not depend on outward experiences, so no outside source can take it away; it is a state of being.

Which do you want? Although I wish happy things for you, I pray that you will be filled with endless joy! You deserve joy; a feeling that transcends anything that is personally going on in  your current life. Find and focus on what brings you joy and pursue it vigorously. 

Accept things that make you happy, but pursue joy. God believes in you and so do I. Joy is your inherent right. Don't spend your life chasing things and people that will make you happy for but a moment. Make joy a priority and your life will be full. Start by seeking the spiritual, emotional, mental and not merely the physical.

Be strong, be blessed :)