Joy vs. Happiness

 Everybody wants happiness. However, do you really know the difference between having happiness and having joy?

 Happiness is only a state, a temporary emotion that comes about under certain circumstances. Joy, on the flip side, is eternal, unchanging, and unconditional. You can have joy in times of peace, and joy in times of trial.

 So how does one go about obtaining said joy? To understand that, we should first go back and understand exactly what is most important in life: following Christ. If you read through the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, presents a constant theme. He says everything is meaningless except for chasing after the LORD.  Luckily for us, Solomon also writes in Proverbs 10:28 that following God's will naturally brings about joy. So, by doing what is pleasing to God, you will also get what you really desire. In addition, David shows us that if you don't have joy, you can ask the LORD for it (Psalms 4:7) and He will provide.

 But how can having joy help your witness? This goes back to my opening statement. Everybody longs for joy, so if non-believers see that you have something eternal, they'll want to be a part of that. A part of them knows that they'll never be satisfied with their way of life, because if you only have happiness you'll constantly have to keep filling up that Jesus-shaped void in your heart with something new. I don't know about you, but quite frankly that sounds exhausting.

Joy in Obedience

Acts 16:16-34

While Paul and Silas were in Philippi (out of obedience to God) they were beaten and jailed.


Verse 25
--What were Paul and Silas doing while they were in prison?


These men were “joyful in hope, faithful in prayer, patient in affliction” Rom 12:12

--What were the other prisoners doing while they were in prison?


Verse 34
--Who believed and was saved in this passage?


--What was he filled with?


--Do you think Paul and Silas would have still gone to Philippi if they knew they would be beaten and imprisoned? Why or why not?

--Is obedience to God worth possible persecution?

--What do you expect to happen today? Are things going to go according to your plan?


--How should we react when problems or trials arise?


As you go throughout the day, remember this: do not let negative circumstances affect your joy!