How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands. Psalm 112:1
Happiness is a fleeting emotion that is based on our circumstances, while joyfulness is much deeper and comes from the assurance of knowing that God loves us. For example, I sold my Apple Watch to a friend and upgraded and purchased the Apple Watch 2 earlier this year, so until a couple of days ago, I have been happy about my purchase. Now Apple has announced the release of the new Apple Watch 3 (with the freedom of LTE), I now find myself wanting and needing the latest version, because when it comes to Apple, they are the masters of creating the urge and desire to have the latest and greatest device. (Don't even get me started on the $1,000+ iPhone X...)
We need to remember that there is no passage of scripture where we are promised happiness in God’s Word. However, God promises us something far greater-joy. If you trust Him, and you know that the God of the universe loves you, and wants to have a relationship with you, and He has promised an eternal future for you, then you can be joyful too.
This kind of joy is not temporary and fleeting and runs much deeper than happiness, because it’s not based on your circumstances. How is your life characterized? Is it by joy or happiness?
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