Joy: Is It The Same As Happiness?

Joy and Happiness are two worlds that are interrelated, yet different from each other. People have mistakenly used one for the other, but a closer look at them shows that they are not exactly the same thing. One is based on external or environmental factor, the other comes from within.

Happiness comes from things visible in the external environment- a new car, wining a lottery, success is an examination, a new marriage, promotion, success in a sports competition, or on receiving good news. But joy does not come from the environment or from a piece of good news: it is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). It is given to you as a way of showing that you have matured in the Lord and are already bearing fruit.

Joy can be present even in the midst of suffering, but happiness cannot; because it is dependent on external environment, success or good news. We saw how the Apostles were filled with joy because they were flogged for preaching the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 5; 40-41). Believers are advised to be joyful wherever they experience any form of suffering or persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ (Matt 5:11-12; Rom 5:13; Col 1:42; James 1:2-3; 1Perter 4:13).

Christians are also encouraged to be filled with joy always; there should be no end to the joy experienced by believers - whether things are rosy or not (Phil4:4; 1Thess 5:16). Joy comes in knowing and obeying God; and enjoying a cordial relationship with him. (Psalm 32:11; Rom 5:11).

Its also comes from obeying the Son and remaining in his Love. The Son of God gives it to those who are obedient to his word and commands. Without obeying him and without remaining in his love, you cannot get this joy that comes from him (John 15:9-11). It does not come from outside, it comes from the inside of you for obeying the Son of God.

It is a product of contentment, hope and assurance that comes from the Holy Ghost. Except you have the Holy Spirit, it would be impossible for you to have the true joy in your heart; you may have occasional happiness. The Holy Spirit gives you a joyful and peaceful Spirit as his gift. Nobody else can give it to you, because it is beyond the power of man to give it to you. (Rom 14:17; Rom15:13).

Depending upon God, the Son and the Holy Spirit, makes you get a joyful Spirit that is beyond human understanding; and when you have that, you will never depend on external factors in order to experience joy in your life.