By: George Barlow
Happiness is temporary, but joy lasts forever
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Nothing is wrong with being happy. Happiness is a pretty hot commodity these days. Happiness may be temporary, but we all want it, and that’s okay, as long as we don’t depend on the emotions of happiness. Chances are if you ask someone what he wants out of life, he will probably say, “I just want to be happy.” We’ve heard many people say that over the years, “I just want happiness.”
Groucho Marx once said, “Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself, I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.”
While that may sound good, and it is, we need to understand that it’s okay and nice to be happy, but we need to realize that happiness comes and goes because it’s dependent on our emotions. If things are going our way or if we feel good, we’re happy. When people say, “I just want to be happy,” they are really saying, “I just want to feel good or I want things to go my way all the time.”
Breaking news! Life isn’t like that. Everything won’t go your way. Life has its ups and downs. No one can feel good all the time. That’s why Paul emphasized seeking joy rather than happiness. Happiness is on the surface; joy is deep. Happiness is temporary; joy abides. Happiness is narrow; joy is wide.
One definition of joy can be described as the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. 2 John 12 states, “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”
The apostle John was hoping to visit the reader in person and talk to them face-to-face. I believe that the letters of first, second and third John were written to highlight the personality of God. God longs to see and meet us face-to-face
Joy comes from having a personal relationship with the Almighty God. You can connect with God by reading and studying his word, the Bible, by praying consistently and through meditation to name a few.
Happiness comes from the things of this world; joy comes from God.
