Joy vs. Happiness

James 1:² “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Nobody enjoys trials, not even Jesus. Jesus did not like the cross and He is the Son of God. Jesus told everyone that the cross was the purpose for which He had come but when He was faced with the cross, He ran to the Father. “Lord, if it is Your will make this cup pass over me”. This is why I love God’s Word – it is guaranteed truth! The Bible says Jesus despised the cross. Nobody enjoys any tribulation; Jesus did not; so why should you enjoy it? The Bible says He endured the shame but He received the glory. As you endure the cross and you endure the shame, you will receive the glory, in Jesus Name. I pray you pass your test.

Is there a difference between joy and happiness? Is one more important than the other? Happiness is heavily dependent on happenings. But happiness is fleeting. Happiness is different from joy. It is impossible to sustain a perpetual state of happiness but you can have a perpetual state of joy. In line with this, the Holy Ghost taught me something new and I want to share it with you. He said, “Happiness is enhanced when you receive but joy is enhanced when you give!” Totally explosive! There is a joy that whirls up in you when you serve, when you help people that cannot repay you. There is unexplainable joy that comes from giving, when you put food on someone’s table, or pay somebody’s school fees. They are happy but you are joyful. That is why it is more blessed to give than to receive.

You enhance your state of being joyful by giving, by serving, by giving your life, by being of value, by pouring out. And you get the state of happiness when you receive. Of course you should receive but it is more blessed to give. Neh. 8:¹⁰“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Since the joy of the Lord is our strength, the number one way for one to obtain the Lord’s joy, is by starting and maintaining a walk with the Holy Spirit. The more you walk with God, like Psalm 16:11 says, the more you experience the unending pleasures and true joy and contentment.

Prayer [song]: Show me Your way Lord, that I may walk with You. Show me Your way Lord, I put my hope in You. The cry of my heart is to love You more, to live with the Touch of Your hand Stronger each day, Show me Your ways. Amen!