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Joy vs Happiness. Thoughts of a Mom

 


Extra posts this week:) Another "Thoughts" post tomorrow, and a mini inspirational story on Friday.


Joy vs Happiness



"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice." Philippians 4:4

***

Dear Reader,

Are you happy today? Perhaps you've just been shopping. Your bank account is looking good, and you went for a cruise to the mall and spoilt yourself with a new outfit, some cute decor for your house and garden, and some luxuries from the supermarket. And it made you happy. Even better, it was a splendid, cloudless, morning and the countryside where you live looked like something from a dream destination on You Tube. Bliss. You were definitely happy as you enjoyed the carefree morning and your bargains.

But may I ask, just how long did the happiness last? An hour? Maybe two? Or, perhaps if everything kept going your way, the whole day?

Now, before you think I'm bashing happiness, I'm not. I've had my fair share of golden sunshine days and satisfying shopping trips and outings. But the sad thing is is that the happiness that these things bring is very temporary. The truth is that happiness seems to be entirely dependent on our circumstances being comfortable, pleasant, or exciting. Tough realities like death, sickness, relationship and financial problems don't seem to usher in much happiness do they?

Happiness comes and goes in its teasing kind of way.

But then, there is the older sister of happiness: Joy. God's joy, to be exact. It is my experience that true joy only comes from God. It is His gift to us and a fruit of the Spirit. In the verse above, we are told to rejoice always. Definite proof that joy is a God thing. There is something mysterious about joy. Something holy.

Joy can be experienced at the grave and in the jail. It can be enjoyed by both the poor and the wealthy, by children and  by the elderly. By the suffering and by the dying.

It is hard to explain joy, but I will do my best. Joy is knowing with absolute certainty that Jesus is with you and that He loves you so much even when a loved one rejects you and despises your faith and all you stand for. Joy is rejoicing in your salvation and in your Saviour even as your world falls apart. Joy is smiling and singing a song as you trust in God for your next meal. 

Joy is Jesus.

***

Do you have this joy? Repent, call on Jesus to save you. You will experience this wondrous joy too.

***

With love, hugs, and prayers,
Alison/Mom
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