Saturday, October 8, 2016

Joy vs. happiness

Yesterday, I talked about encouraging others.  Today, my thoughts are on joy vs. happiness.

Mr. Webster says that joy is "a feeling of great happiness; success in doing, finding or getting something; a source or cause of delight".  Happiness is "the state of being happy".  Happy is "feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life, situation, etc.".

Joy is so much more than being happy.  One can have joy even during hard-times. To me joy is lasting.  It is knowing that God is in control and that He will be with me even during difficult times. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances.

As I was researching joy, I came across some quotes:

"Focus on the journey, not the destination.  Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in going it."

Mother Teresa stated that "joy is prayer; joy is strength, joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls".

In the book of James 1:2-3, "consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

So often we ask people are you happy?  Maybe the true question is "do you feel joy in your life"?

With so much negative going on around us, I feel that people are forgetting to find the joy in their lives.  There are so many things that I need to feel joyful about, such as my health, my job, my family, that I can walk, that I can see, that I can hear, etc.  It is the little things in life.  So often, people feel that they need to be financial wealthy, they need to drive a certain car, they need a designer handbag, live in a mansion and the list goes on, before they find happiness.

My prayer is that people will find the joy that will give them life and not a temporary happiness that will only last a moment!



3 comments:

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Yell yeah, there is a difference many, however, do not get the difference I am not one of them I have many moments of joy as well as moments of happiness but I strive for more, I chose to be happy yes there are moments when I am not happy like yesterday but I do try to not dwell on things as that doesn't do anything for ones happiness and joy

Rick Watson said...

An interesting distinction. Some people seek happiness in things, but things rarely bring you joy. Friendship, experience, and peace of mind have a better chance of bringing you joy.
R

steppingoutshiningthrough said...

It sounds as if you are enjoying whatever moment you are in.