Joy & Happiness by Erika Sanchez

Hello Brave Hearted Steppers,

The scripture says in Psalm 16:11, the psalmist writes, “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

God gives us joy, even if we are not happy. We do not have to smile all the time. We are not promised sunshine and rainbows in this life, but we are promised salvation and eternal life, which is cause for great joy even in the midst of pain and unhappiness.

We often use the terms “happiness” and “joy” interchangeably, but are they not really the same thing.

Happiness and joy are seemingly similar, but actually quite different. The key point is that God promises joy, but He never promises us happiness.

Joy, on the other hand, is a long lasting state of being. Joy is promised by God and something we should strive towards. In Hebrews 12:2 it states, “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

For example, we can feel happy when we receive something like a gift or achieve something like awards or honors. These things are external or belong to the surface of our lives. It is not something deeper but, rather, superficial. Joy, on the other hand, is something deeper more internal . It is something we feel internally in our lives as human beings. For example, when we feel great joy when we worship God the Father and when we feel great joy when we remember our Lord Jesus Christ dying on the cross to save us from sin! 

What does joy mean to me? It’s when I see my children with their spouses and grandchildren come together in one room. It’s a fulfillment in my heart that brings so much joy, and to see the beautiful faces and future generations that God has called them to be.

Happiness: It’s when they are happy and content, I align myself with their happiness. I’ve learned that Happiness depends on circumstances or other people, but joy is a gift from God. 

Joy is caused as the heart and the mind recognize the beauty of God and His character. Also, the ability to see the beauty of Christ is itself God’s grace to us. So in a real way, joy is caused by God. It is sustained by God.

Always remember Jesus always offers true lasting joy. A joy that sustains us through trials and hardships, and lasts forever and ever. We find this in Christ by beholding by faith.

Jesus is true Joy … 

Blessings,
Erika Sanchez