First of all, thanks John for keeping up with me. I was putting together some study information over the last couple of days. Good to know that you are missed. I love to read the comments and know that people are actually growing and learning. I like wise learn from you all. I just believe that God works through His people to bless and help others. Well today in my early morning devotions my soul was fill with Joy as I read about the difference between joy and happiness. I have lived off happiness and off joy. The joy of the Lord well surpasses any earthly happiness. Listen to what I gathered from a few authors about this Joy. The greatest author who writes about Joy is the Joy giver Himself (God).
Psalm 40:16
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified.
Though some people use the terms happiness and joy interchangeably, there is a vast difference in their meaning. Both cause a pleasant emotional response, but the former relies entirely upon circumstance. As soon as difficulty arises and pain intrudes, a person ceases to be happy. On the other hand, joy is a gift from God that enables believers to find hope and peace—even when life seemingly falls apart.
At times, however, even Christians live joylessly. Sinful behavior, of course, is one reason. But there can be other causes, too, including regret about past failures, fear of future mishaps, or a pattern of discontentment that's ingrained in one's personality.
If you are a follower of Jesus but lack gladness, take a moment to remember who Christ is—and who you are in Him. To begin with, you are saved eternally, and your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The love of almighty God is unconditional, and His indwelling Spirit will never abandon you. He understands everything that you face and promises to provide for your needs.
When you stop to consider the amazing blessings that are yours in Christ, gratitude will likely overwhelm you. Sadness concerning circumstances may still endure, but the joy of the Lord will carry you through even the deepest pain.
Amid the ups and downs of life, does God's joy sustain you? Or do trials leave you hopeless and discontented? Our Father offers a higher way of living—not without pain but with strength to endure. Continually remember the vast treasure you have in Him and His promises.
"On Joy"
"Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures." —Thomas Aquinas
"Joys are always on the way to us. They are always traveling to us through the darkness of the night. There is never a night when they are not coming." —Amy Carmichael
"Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian." —G. K. Chesterton
"Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross. It is an unknown word and thing except as He has sway within." —Samuel Dickey Gordon
"If there is joy in the world, surely the man of pure heart possesses it." —Thomas à Kempis
"Joy is never in our power and pleasure often is." —C. S. Lewis
"If you have no joy, there's a leak in your Christianity somewhere." —W. A. "Billy" Sunday
"There is more joy in Jesus in 24 hours than there is in the world in 365 days. I have tried them both." —R. A. Torrey
Jesus promised His disciples on the night Judas betrayed Him, “Your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22). Remember that joy is the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Let’s ask the Lord to help us look beyond our sorrowful circumstances and encourage our hearts by the vision of joy that awaits us (Heb. 12:2). — Vernon C. Grounds
You alone, Lord Jesus, can true joy impart,
For You know the sorrow of the human heart;
You came here from glory many hearts to win
And in love for sinners suffered once for sin. —Anon.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that’s always in season.
Psalm 40:16
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified.
Though some people use the terms happiness and joy interchangeably, there is a vast difference in their meaning. Both cause a pleasant emotional response, but the former relies entirely upon circumstance. As soon as difficulty arises and pain intrudes, a person ceases to be happy. On the other hand, joy is a gift from God that enables believers to find hope and peace—even when life seemingly falls apart.
At times, however, even Christians live joylessly. Sinful behavior, of course, is one reason. But there can be other causes, too, including regret about past failures, fear of future mishaps, or a pattern of discontentment that's ingrained in one's personality.
If you are a follower of Jesus but lack gladness, take a moment to remember who Christ is—and who you are in Him. To begin with, you are saved eternally, and your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The love of almighty God is unconditional, and His indwelling Spirit will never abandon you. He understands everything that you face and promises to provide for your needs.
When you stop to consider the amazing blessings that are yours in Christ, gratitude will likely overwhelm you. Sadness concerning circumstances may still endure, but the joy of the Lord will carry you through even the deepest pain.
Amid the ups and downs of life, does God's joy sustain you? Or do trials leave you hopeless and discontented? Our Father offers a higher way of living—not without pain but with strength to endure. Continually remember the vast treasure you have in Him and His promises.
"On Joy"
"Man cannot live without joy; therefore when he is deprived of true spiritual joys it is necessary that he become addicted to carnal pleasures." —Thomas Aquinas
"Joys are always on the way to us. They are always traveling to us through the darkness of the night. There is never a night when they are not coming." —Amy Carmichael
"Joy is the gigantic secret of the Christian." —G. K. Chesterton
"Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing. It is the reverse of happiness. Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its springs deep down inside. And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross. It is an unknown word and thing except as He has sway within." —Samuel Dickey Gordon
"If there is joy in the world, surely the man of pure heart possesses it." —Thomas à Kempis
"Joy is never in our power and pleasure often is." —C. S. Lewis
"If you have no joy, there's a leak in your Christianity somewhere." —W. A. "Billy" Sunday
"There is more joy in Jesus in 24 hours than there is in the world in 365 days. I have tried them both." —R. A. Torrey
Jesus promised His disciples on the night Judas betrayed Him, “Your joy no one will take from you” (John 16:22). Remember that joy is the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Let’s ask the Lord to help us look beyond our sorrowful circumstances and encourage our hearts by the vision of joy that awaits us (Heb. 12:2). — Vernon C. Grounds
You alone, Lord Jesus, can true joy impart,
For You know the sorrow of the human heart;
You came here from glory many hearts to win
And in love for sinners suffered once for sin. —Anon.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that’s always in season.
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PLEASE BE MY FRIEND!!! This GREAT stuff and totally what I need to hear and focus on/think about!
Keep talkin'...
wow. this is amazing. i never actually tried to distinguish between joy and happiness, haven't finished reading yet. just wanted to comment.
you should write a book. i'd totally read it. i'll check back on friday to see what's next. i'm going to read psalms 40 tonight. i haven't been very happy lately. i have a long way to go but thank you for your post.