24 Jul W2 | Joy vs Happiness

Posted at 02:42h in September, Topics 2024 by

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 | Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV)


John 15:9-11 | As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (ESV)

OBJECTIVE

To discern the Christian joy from worldly happiness, which stems from a thriving relationship with God and that which triumphs over every situation and circumstance, carrying us over into a more fruitful, enriching life.

CONTENT

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

  • We often associate happiness with satisfaction in the comforts of life that may not necessarily stay. It’s why most people pursue ample possessions and big-time accomplishments--to secure an abundance of happiness without regard to the uncontrollable odds of facing misfortunes.
  • The root word of happiness is the Old Norse loanword hap- (happenstance, haphazard, etc), which means luck or chance. As happiness hangs on favorable circumstances, one bad news can easily give way to sadness, uncertainty, fear, and anger. Joy, on the other hand, is rock-solid still and abiding in God’s transcendent peace (Phil 4:7). It’s what sustains us through the valleys of life--knowing full well that above all, He works all things for our good (Rom 8:28).
  • “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” - Rick Warren
  • Our fleeting feelings may linger at the moment, but the life-fueling Christian joy is always accessible the minute we seek His face and ask for deliverance. Sourced from the Redeemer’s presence (Psa 16:11, Psa 37:4), joy moves us to an internal sense of contentment in our faith, regardless of the presence or absence of worldly blessings.

THE CHOICE TO THRIVE

  • Embodying the Christian joy looks like this: we gain the broadest possible perspective in our lives and, out of pure love, we respond by giving back all glory to Him.
  • It’s a privilege to get personal with the Father of the universe Himself, walking close with Him on a practical level because Jesus has fulfilled all requirements of the law (Rom 8:3-4). We only need to follow Him and claim the completion of our joy in HIs love (John 15:11). As we keep in step with his Spirit, we will receive divine revelation that leads us to true fulfillment and purpose.
  • Without God’s vision, we’re like sheeps that go astray (Isa 53:6), unequipped to face the trials of life and disabled from triumphing over tribulations. Consider the apostle Paul, who experienced profound joy that fueled him to write the epistles from prison. Calling us to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:7), his time has served generations after him, having produced the necessary character to keep the faith through it all (James 1:2-4). Having counted it all as blessing, his faith came to be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
  • The key to fulfillment is intimacy with God, continually enjoying fellowship with Him and holding conversations via prayer and worship. Much like any other relationships in life, developing trust and confidence with another takes time. In choosing His joy, difficult circumstances no longer bring us down but offer growth and opportunity instead, all good “fruit” that spring forth when we do life with Him.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • What do you find yourself often putting in this fill-in-the-blank?
    (I’d be happy if _____ occurs.)
  • How have your past struggles matured your faith in Christ? Did you feel close with God or far away from Him?

REFERENCES