Happiness vs. Joy

There is a tendency to conflate these two states of being, but in actuality they are not the same. The dictionary defines happiness as “being delighted, pleased, or glad over a particular thing.” This tells me right away that once that particular thing comes to an end, so does the state of happiness. So, I get a new job and I’m happy; I lose the job because of cutbacks and I get sad or unhappy. Happiness is fleeting and cannot be relied upon.  

On the other hand, Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is solid and cannot waver. The Holy Spirit is the One who makes a way where there seems to be no way. He can be relied upon. Regardless of what life throws my way, I choose to live in a state of joy. Daughter of Zion, so should you! It is in the state of joy that we can draw our strength from Him daily because the “Joy of the LORD is our strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10) 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit that dwells in me. Thank you that regardless of what I face daily, good or bad, I choose to live in a state of joy. Amen. 

Georgina Oladokun