Joy or Happiness?

[snugsnug]

And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

--Nehemiah 8:12



How would you describe true joy? Do you think you have it?



The joy of the Lord is an inner sense of delight in Him that comes from knowing Him through Christ. But in the truest sense, joy can’t be completely described. It can only be experienced!



As we see in the verse above, the Israelites experienced this kind of joy when they heard Ezra read from the Scriptures. They understood what was read to them and its significance for their lives. When we experience true joy like that, the celebration is in our hearts! It’s an inward joy that can’t be shaken.



Now, I want to make sure you understand the difference between joy and happiness because these two terms are not synonymous. This difference should be what separates you and me as Christians from the rest of the world.



Happiness is just a feeling, an emotion that’s based on circumstances and the environment around us. But joy is the heartfelt and internal confidence, peace, and contentment of a believer. It’s something that can be found in Christ alone!



So let me ask you, are you living each day with joy…or mere happiness? If you don’t know the joy I’m talking about, I invite you to come and share in the true joy of the Lord Jesus Christ.



The only way you can live each day with true joy and celebration in your heart is by knowing Him!



Do you have true, lasting joy in your heart today? If not, why?