09/27/2019
We are filled in our faith with the joy of God, which is a different Greek word (Chara), with a different meaning than happiness (Makarios). Joy is an internal feeling, while happiness is derived from external events acting on our lives. Joy is deep seated, while happiness is superficial. Seeking the joy of God means seeking our transformation in Christ, and receiving God’s joy as a result.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalms 16:11 ESV
Have you ever known a Christian brother or sister who was in good spirits all the time; someone who whistled, spoke cheerfully, and greeted others as if they were long lost children whenever they saw them? I hope so, and I can almost guarantee you that if you ask such people why they are consistently behaving in this way, or why they are always so pleasant, they will say something like “I don’t know, I just am.” or, “It is just who I am.” Joy is one of those feelings that is so deeply rooted in us that we can’t separate it from our being; who we are. It is a fruit of the Spirit that springs forth from being in the presence of God.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV
Happiness, on the other hand, has an external origin. The Greek Word we translate as happiness in the Bible is makarios which has an alternative meaning... blessing. Someone can bless you, because that is within our ability as physical beings. I can make you happy by being kind to you, or by giving you a piece of candy. My wife can make me happy because She blesses me; I am also made happy by her touch, and mere presence...
“"When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife whom he has taken.”
Deuteronomy 24:5 ESV
Love is another one of those words that is translated from more than one Greek word, and has multiple meanings; let me use it to show you the difference between joy and happiness. I can love (Greek word Agape) my wife as Christ loves the Church and receive God’s deep and abiding joy in so doing, or I can love her as a man (Greek words Philip, Storge, or Eros) which brings me that external feeling called happiness.
Both Joy and happiness are good, but happiness can be fleeting while joy can’t be taken away without destroying who we are. Here is a better description... when we accept Jesus as our Savior we are transformed, and God’s joy becomes a part of who we are, so in order for that joy to be removed we must be changed back into our old self, or into something other than a child of God, and a joint heir with Christ.
So be happy...
“Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs."”
Deuteronomy 33:29 ESV
But more than that, be joyous...
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13 KJV
Let happiness be the salt on the joy that God gives us as a fruit of His Spirit.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your joy which fills us to overflowing, and allows us to walk through a sad world without its sorrow destroying our spirit. Thank you Lord for the happiness you give us each day in your many blessings, and at the hands of those around us. Help us Holy Father to understand how the presence of your Son Jesus transforms us, and fills us with your joy. Teach us Heavenly Father to open ourselves up so that the light of your joy in us is not hidden from those who are still lost in the world. Let us be like a beacon atop the rock to those on the verge of spiritual shipwreck. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who brings joy and comfort to us. Great are you who can transform the lost, and give joy to the sorrowful. Praised be your name in joyous song, and sounding cymbal. All glory is your Father, and we sing of your mercy, and grace, with gladness, and joy. We rejoice in you always, and your gift of joy abides within us forevermore.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV
Rich Forbes