American Heritage defines joy as: "Intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness."
Isn't that radical!?! I've heard a lot of teaching about the difference between happiness (bad and fleeting) and joy (good and lasting); teaching that left me confused and, frankly, afraid of either. I'm going to step out and say that I don't believe there is a significant theological difference between joy and happiness. God wants us to have both!
As Christians, with the warnings about sinful pleasure in the Bible (Proverbs 10:23), we get afraid of ANY pleasure. But just like Snoopy here, God wants us to seek pleasure relentlessly and unashamedly -- godly pleasure, that is (Matthew 13:44; Psalm 16:11). For me, maybe it's being out in nature, enjoying time with my doggies, talking to you about God-things, the satisfaction of a job well done, or a just good cup of coffee with my feet up.
Joy is a command with an explanation point (Philippians 4:4). Even Jesus, our example, endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2b). Perhaps our greatest joy is found in what we suffer for Christ (1 Peter 4:13). We don't need to be afraid that unashamedly seeking pleasure and satisfaction will lead us astray. It leads us straight into the heart of God, the most satisfying Source of joy!
Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
Blessings,
Come visit us at warrenfamilylife.com
Too many times we have tried to make the Christian life something that never experiences any form of pain or discomfort. If we do, we must be living in sin. This brings about a lot of doubt and self-imposed self-anger and self-hate.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is that we grow through the trials that are set before us. The point is that we must be filled with joy knowing God is in control and is there to carry us through.
Thank you for pointing out our need to recognize His love that stimulates joy in each of us.
Blessings
Dave
http://dadtalk.wordpress.com
I think you're right. Happiness is not bad. It's okay to have fun. God wants us to be happy.
ReplyDeleteI think a part of joy is being able to be happy when we shouldn't be. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I think your right, that God is good and loves it when His children enjoy His blessings! I agree with you about the happiness and joy thing. I never understood the difference either. God is our joy and our happiness. His Spirit in us is the reason we can appreciate His blessings and feel joy when we shouldn't be able to (like you were saying, Tawny).
ReplyDeleteWhat a great message, Cyndi!
Love, Jenny
You again moved me. Thanks a lot for being an inspiration! Jesus is indeed the true source of real joy. A joy that's beyond a feeling but a posture of the heart whcih doesn't depend on the cicumstance but on one's faith in God!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THIS ONE!!!!
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