Joy vs. happiness

Pastor Jared Oldenburg

What would make you happy, like really happy? If you were asked and you didn’t have to admit it out loud, what would you say? Would you be happy if you had a little more money? What about a full head of hair? Would you finally be happy if you got a promotion or if your grandkids called you more often?

For most of us, happiness is a concept that’s off in the distance. We’re here. It’s way out there. To find happiness, we try out different bridges to reach it. Have you ever tried a diet or gone shopping or even drowned your sorrows in a glass? Yeah, me too. It may take awhile, but soon enough we figure out that these things don’t really work.

As believers, you and I know our real goal in life is not happiness, but rather joy. Paul says it this way: “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

Happiness comes and goes with circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, is quite different. Joy is finding contentment where you are right now. No more bridges, just contentment.

So are you still looking for happiness? I’m not sure you’ll find it. What I do know is that in Christ you already have everything you need to rejoice!

Devotion used by permission of Time of Grace®. For more information, visit timeofgrace.org