The Difference Between Joy and Happiness
Let's talk about the difference between joy and happiness.
We often find that these two terms are used interchangeably despite having very different meanings. It is important that we understand the difference between joy and happiness in order to withstand in our Christian walk.
Biblical Insights: What the Scriptures Say About Joy
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV):
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
- Happiness is an emotion just like sadness, jealousy, or fear. Unfortunately, these human emotions are fleeting. For example, you may be happy today if you receive a gift from a friend but sad tomorrow if someone says something hurtful to you. Happiness is human nature, but temporary
- Joy is a permanent state of being. Unlike happiness, joy comes from the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). We can think of joy as happiness that never-ends. No matter what we go through, good or bad, our joy will remain constant.
- The biggest difference between the two is that one depends on external circumstances while the other is rooted in Christ and knowing His promise of eternal life.
- Joy is what helps sustain us when life is a mess and we do not feel happy. Joy helps to remind us that God is in control of all things and that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8)
- This does not mean that we have to be smiling and laughing 24/7. Joy simply means having an internal mindset of God-given peace regardless of what is around (Philippians 4:5-7)
Practical Tips: Having Joy in Everyday Life
Thanksgiving- The best way to find joy, especially during hard times, is to thank God for all He has done. Sometimes we are so focused on what is going wrong that we forget how much has gone right. We suggest keeping a list of thanksgiving so that you can always defer back to it when you feel as if joy is nowhere to be found. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Pray for Joy- Going to God when you are struggling with joy is always a great option. God knows exactly what we are experiencing and wants us to talk to Him. He understands how hard it can be sometimes to remain joyful in a stresssful situation. He also knows that we sometimes do not have the words to express what we need which is why He has given us the Holy Sprirt to communciate on our behalf. Joy can ALWAYS be found in conversation with God. (Romans 8:26)
Final Thoughts
It is important that we understand that happiness and joy are not synonymous. One is a temporary, human emotion and the other comes from the Lord and strengthens us in our day to day life. Constantly engaging in prayer and thanksgiving can help to ensure that your joy remains even when happiness fades.
Join us for Weekly Bible Study!!!
Wednesdays 7:00 EST on our TikTok Live!!!
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.