Joy vs. Happiness
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
Is there a difference between joy and happiness? We actively pursue happiness, because after all, "You gotta fight, for your right, to party." (Beastie Boys) I mean, "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad." (Sheryl Crow)
Happiness, in a search on Google, is an externally-driven emotion. It runs on event or award/reward. Whatever goal or temporary success we are pursuing, we are triggering "happiness." There is nothing wrong with happiness, but it is fleeting. Joy is a deeper and more permanent state of being. Joy is internally driven, and while it may resemble happiness, it is based on those things that are more substantive and deep, such as faith.
This past weekend, on Sunday ironically, as we lit the "joy" candle, events occurred that could potentially take much of what gives us happiness. The news landscape had the top three stories that were violent. They were reminders that in this season of joy, Christ coming to earth to be among us and to be our savior, bad things still happen. These bad things may interfere with our happiness, but they do not steal our joy.
Yet not only in our highlights in our life, but also in our trials, we experience joy. Joy is a "result of confidence found in the assurance of hope in Christ." (Study Notes on James 1) A reference is made to 1 Peter 1:8-9: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Peter saw Christ. Peter saw Christ in full glory (transfiguration), but Peter is speaking of the joy of salvation through faith in Christ, to those who have never seen him.
Joy gets us through the trials in life. Joy pulls us through tough times. Joy is with us through our faith in Christ Jesus. It is this joy that we share with others through the good news.
Pray with me a prayer of restoration for the joy of salvation given to us by David in Psalm 51:10-12:
"10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."