Posted by: Anna
There are no doubt multiple things in life that make you happy. For example, I enjoy spending time with animals. I also enjoy photography, drawing, reading, and so forth. All those things “make me happy”. But what about joy? What's the difference between joy and happiness? Being joyful and being happy? Is one better? There are a lot of verses about “joy”, “being joyful”, and “rejoicing” in the Bible. In contrast, the word “happy” is rarely used. Happiness is a fleeting emotion. Joy is a constant mindset. Doing something “fun” or “enjoyable” makes you happy. But what about half an hour later, when you get home and its time to do that chore that you absolutely hate? When you or a loved one gets sick or injured? When you can't go to that concert, party, event, etc.? Then are you happy? So what about joy? How can you be joyful, how can you have that mindset of thankfulness, patience, and contentedness? Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” That is how we can be joyful- by rejoicing in the Lord. Think about it! God loves us, forgives us, and even sent His Son to die for us. The amazing Creator of the universe, -which, I have to say, is awesome- loves and cares about us, about you. He created a world with tons of incredible creatures, beautiful plants and landscapes, and around seven billion people. This same God loves you enough to die for you. Is that not something to rejoice in? Can we not find joy in that? So what does that exactly mean? Being truly joyful is to be cheerful and content even when trials come, or when things don't go our way, or tragedy strikes. Being joyful always because God is always there. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2 And how do we “count it all as joy”?
Joy is a really important part of our faith. As Paul says, we should rejoice in the Lord, as well as rejoice in sufferings. In 1 Peter 4, Peter tells us to rejoice as we share Christ's sufferings. And really, we have plenty to be joyful about! God loves you and has forgiven you, having sent Jesus to die for you so that you can live in Heaven with Him for eternity! I'd say that's definitely something to rejoice about. So don't just be happy when you've had a good day, had fun with your friends, done well in school. Instead, rejoice always in the Lord!
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