Happiness versus Joy by Lorie Looney Keene
I believe one of the most common counterfeits that Satan offers to us is the pursuit of happiness rather than joy. Happiness is an emotion. Therefore, it is something that can be aroused by our senses, surroundings, or other people in our lives.
Joy is something completely different. Joy is a fruit of the spirit of God. It is not merely an emotion that can be easily manipulated by our own emotions or the attitudes of others. Instead, it's presence can be far more permanent in our lives since it's rooted in God.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 NIV.
Happiness is often associated with a smile or a feeling of giddiness. Spiritual joy may share those feelings, but can also reside within the heart of a believer even in the midst of hardships. Satan would love for us to spend or lives searching for an emotion that will abandon us during our times of need. Fortunately, however, God calls us to embrace a joy that wil, reside with us at all times.
--Me: This is some awesome news! I can choose to be joyful, even when I am stressed with cheer, work, house hunting, and everything in between. I don't have to wait for something good to happen to feel happy, or for someone to say something kind before I can smile.
May the JOY of the Spirit reisde inside of me starting now.
Good post! The joy of the Lord is with me even in the toughest times of my life!
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