The Pursuit of Happiness

Is the ultimate goal of life really happiness? Because that’s really the summary of most of the messages we hear in today’s media. “all that matters is that you’re happy" “do what you want, as long as it makes you happy" I’m not anti-happiness, of course, it’s good to be happy, but why should we base our decisions and lifestyle on it when we have a much better alternative – joy? Yes, there is a difference between happiness and joy, not necessarily in the way you feel, but the source of that feeling and how long it lasts.

Happiness is a result of an action or an activity you either participated in or witnessed, and it can usually be nullified once you witness or experience a contradictory event. Joy, however, is a fruit of the spirit and is much more long-lasting as long as we remain plugged into our source. When we’re in a good situation, we’re happy, but once our circumstances become less favorable, we easily become unhappy. With joy, however, when we are in difficult situations, we have the strength to hold on. Nehemiah 8:10 says, "....Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

So where do we find joy? Like I mentioned earlier, Joy is a fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "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." We find joy when we're connected to God through the Spirit, when we let our lives be transformed and led by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This verse tells us that God gives us joy when we trust Him, and that makes perfect sense if you think about it. Whenever you find yourself in trouble, and someone you trust to help you out and have complete faith in comes to your rescue, you no longer feel worried, you are happy (or in this case, filled with joy) because you know they are capable! Trust God through whatever you're facing, and he will fill you with joy and peace.

Peace and love of Christ be with you all!