Gentle Reminders
Joy Versus Happiness
- Inward joy that comes only from God is lasting and steady, even as the wind blows and the seas rage. Because it comes from within. It has nothing to do with what’s going on in the world around you but everything to do with what the Lord is doing in your heart as you seek Him with your whole self and put Him first. …Steady. Lasting. Enduring. Pure. Honest. That’s the kind of joy that will not fade; it will only strengthen over time and continue to overflow so that your joy is noticeable.
- Happiness, like the feeling of when grain and new wine abound, cannot compare to God’s joy. Grain and new wine will not always abound. Eventually, food runs out or spoils.
There are seasons of plentiful rain and harvest and seasons of famine and drought. Moments where the sea is calm and smooth and moments where waters rage and flood the lands. Happiness is fickle, dependent upon outward circumstances. It’s an emotion, and emotions are often deceiving.
You will find true joy in Christ alone. David knew his joy came from God, even as Saul and all of David’s enemies sought to destroy him. If David had clung to fleeting happiness, he would have sunk fast. But David ran to God in prayer, knowing the Lord hears and answers.
O Father, help me to cling to You today, for You are my joy!
Up Next: TAKING GOD’S WORD TO HEART (Click On Page 3 at the Bottom)
