HAPPINESS AND JOY

Sunday devotional, 6/10/12

Have you ever thought about the definition of Joy and Happiness?  Do you consider them to be in the same spectrum of the range of positive emotions one can have?  Many believe they are similar if not the same.  

Are we happy all of the time?  No.  Happiness is something that can come and go depending upon our circumstances.  There may be times we have some things going on in our lives that cause great sadness.  Even Jesus had times of sadness and weeping. We cannot be in grief and sadness while also being happy. 

Then can we be joyful all of the time?  YES!  Joy is something that can remain constant depending upon what is in our heart.  If we have Jesus in our hearts, then we can experience true, internal Joy no matter what is happening around us.  It is God's will for us to be joyful inside all the time.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

So, what is the purpose of having a joyful heart all of the time?  To make us feel good? To some degree perhaps, but the greater reason is that we witness to others of the love of the lord through the smile on our faces when we have true contented internal joy. Then, not only do THEY feel good, but we also feel good about being a tool that God can use here on earth.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn...   Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy.  Isaiah 60:3, 5a NIV 

Even when there is complete darkness of any hope in our lives or in the lives of others in this world, the Lord's light can shine in and through us.  As we share what God has done in our lives and how that gives us joy in good times and in bad, may there be many more disciples of Christ made.

written by Joyful Jan Andersen

(This topic was preached by my husband a few weeks ago, and I questioned his definitions, but then God in his infinite wisdom showed me the same interpretation in an article and then again this weekend by our Bible study leader at the LWML District Convention!  OK Lord, I hear you!)