2008-02-27 Core Truth

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

They do not mean the same thing. Sometimes we interchange the two as if they mean the same thing, but they do not.

Tonight, by examining what these two words mean, and by reading what God has to say about these two words, we will be able to see why we are not happy or joyful in our lives, and then we can fix it.

Happiness = enjoying, showing, or marked by pleasure; cheerful; enthusiastic.

Joy = a condition or feeling of great pleasure or happiness.

By definition then, happiness is more of a moment by moment pleasure, whereas joy is a larger, more enduring pleasure.

Happiness comes and goes from moment to moment, while joy can span over a series of moments both happy and sad.

Enter Jesus:

Luke 10 – 72 disciples sent out with power, and return . . .

vss17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

These guys were pumped by what they just did, and saw done, miracles! Jesus redirects their attention away from what they just experienced (moment by moment living), and aims their joy at something far greater than their greatest experience. Jesus aims them at eternity, God.

Jesus knew there would come lows along with the highs.

The Bible says in Isaiah 55:3 that Jesus was a man of sorrows, familiar with grief. He was not always happy, but he did always have joy.

Jesus' joy came from his connection with God, and knowing what God was up to. Look at the cross – Jesus did it because of the joy that was set before him. - Hebrews 12:2

Happiness shifts, joy never moves.

John 16:22

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

Galatians 5:22,23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

You cannot find joy without finding God.

Happiness will come and go, but having God gives you joy that enables you to overcome all the troubles around you.

Our hearts are with God, but our bodies still live on earth.

7 Steps to joy:

1. Assurance 2. Baptism 3. Church 4. Prayer 5. Bible Study

6. Giving 7. Evangelism

You cannot help others until you first help yourself.

You can't spread joy until you are full of joy.

How can I know about your problems and continue to live?

I have joy and confidence in God that makes me immovable, and able to give help.

Before you can help others find joy in life, you need to have it yourself.

Do you meet God everyday in such a way that you are constantly reminded of your future life with God?

If not, then you lack joy.