Joy and happiness. Happiness and joy. Which do you live into more? But wait, aren’t they the same thing? Now this could boil down to a matter of opinion, but in my humble one, I believe that there is a difference, that both are important, and that we should strive for a balance of each.
As one of the most prominent themes of Christianity, joy is mentioned over 4oo times in the Bible, while happiness is mentioned less than 20 times. Joy is an emotion that takes over when we allow our souls to rest in our Creator, while happiness is completely dependent on outside sources.
Happiness vs. Joy. Is There Really a Difference?
From what I have observed, happiness is fleeting. Something that can come and go. Still great to experience but can leave us just as quickly as it comes. The best example I can give of this comes from one of my children. My two-year-old, Abram, loves to eat. Eating makes him happy. I think of the many times he has been crying for food and instantly stops the second he receives that piece of food. Only to immediately start crying again once the food has been eaten and is now no more. That’s happiness. So wonderful in the days and moments that we find it, but can just as easily, in an instant, be replaced by other emotions. Happiness is determined by other things, many times things outside of our control.
“I’m happy when…”
“I’m happy if…”
“I’m happy as long as…”
Joy on the other hand, is something we choose. Something we inhabit. Have you heard the expression “Choose joy?”. I truly believe there is something to that saying. Joy is something we must work for, a behavior to achieve, something to choose for ourselves every day. Joy radiates from us and cannot be taken away so easily, not if we allow it to embed itself into our souls. Joy is lasting and satisfying, something that doesn’t fluctuate along with the everyday changes of the world. It lives within us.
As a Christian, I believe that the deepest and most pure joy comes from Christ existing within us. A natural outcome of closely following the Lord. A state of being. I believe that joy comes from having true faith. Faith that, despite all the bad, He is the one true good. That through Him, all will be well, despite all the bad we witness day in and day out here on earth.
Which is More Important, Happiness or Joy?
Does this mean that joy and happiness can’t mix? That they can’t play off of one another? I don’t think so. When you live with joy, when your faith is placed into something so pure and selfless, it becomes visible to others. At times, what others notice may appear as happiness – lightheartedness, delight, positivity – and that may spread to them as well. I think that we can all agree that joy is infectious. Happiness that can be reflected to others comes from the joy in your soul, your very being. The joy that you embrace can reflect into someone else’s life, maybe relieving them for a short time or leaving them wondering what it is that makes you shine so brightly. Unfortunately, joy is something that must be accepted by each person individually in order for it to truly take root in their own life. So, for those of you that live with joy in your soul, be the happy in someone else’s day. Talk openly about the joy you live with. For those striving to embrace a more joyful lifestyle or belief system, start by looking at the things that you truly find important. The things that give you hope, no matter if it has been a good day or bad.
John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
Thanks friends. I wish you joy!
