Posted on 02/02/2020 7:10:11 AM PST by metmom
"Rejoice in the Lord" (Phil. 3:1).
Happiness is related to circumstances; joy is a gift from God.
Not long ago it was common to see bumper stickers proclaiming every conceivable source for happiness. One said, "Happiness is being married." Another countered, "Happiness is being single." One cynical sticker read, "Happiness is impossible!"
For most people happiness is possible but it's also fickle, shallow, and fleeting. As the word itself implies, happiness is associated with happenings, happenstance, luck, and fortune. If circumstances are favorable, you're happy. If not, you're unhappy.
Christian joy, however, is directly related to God and is the firm confidence that all is well, regardless of your circumstances.
In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord" (emphasis added). The Lord is both the source and object of Christian joy. Knowing Him brings joy that transcends temporal circumstances. Obeying Him brings peace and assurance.
Joy is God's gift to every believer. It is the fruit that His Spirit produces within you (Gal. 5:22) from the moment you receive the gospel (John 15:11). It increases as you study and obey God's Word (1 John 1:4).
Even severe trials needn't rob your joy. James 1:2 says you should be joyful when you encounter various trials because trials produce spiritual endurance and maturity. They also prove that your faith is genuine, and a proven faith is the source of great joy (1 Pet. 1:6-8).
You live in a world corrupted by sin. But your hope is in a living God, not a dying world. He is able to keep you from stumbling and make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy (Jude 24). That's your assurance of future glory and eternal joy! Until that time, don't neglect His Word, despise trials, or lose sight of your eternal reward. They are key ingredients of your present joy.
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank the Lord for any difficult circumstances you might be facing. Ask Him for continued grace to see them through His perspective and not lose heart (Gal. 6:9). Be aware of any sinful attitudes or actions on your part that might diminish your joy. Confess them immediately.
For Further Study
Read Acts 16:11-40.
What difficulties did Paul and Silas face in founding the Philippian church? How did God use their difficulties for His glory?
Studying God’s Word ping
Happiness = Dopamine surge
Joy = Living Within Kingdom of God
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surprised_by_Joy
Don’t let the world (Leftists) steal your joy.
Another excellent study.
Thank you
Thank you! thank you ! thank you!
One of the best ever!
Nehemiah 8:10
“...the joy of the Lord is your strength”
The Joy of the Lord is what we are made for.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
However, rather than glorify God, we seek a diluted version of His Joy -
Happiness
“Happiness” comes from “Happenstance, i.e. that which is happening to me now. Since happiness is diluted Joy, we seek far more happiness to make up for the dilution.
Each subsequent dilution has the same problem. we need more and more to try to fill the void that can only be filled by the Joy of the Lord.
Fun
Excitement
Thrills
“Kick’s”
Thus the large number of suicides & ODs among the Rich & Famous.
Thanks for sharing that.
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