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DEFINING JOY & HAPPINESS

by linzy bruno
3/30/2023 / Bible Studies

"Joy"--The happiness in overcoming is one example of biblical joy (the only kind), and the even more amazing example is the unexplainable happiness and peace that has the power to defy any circumstance.

The world can bring happiness, but only God can bring joy and His gift of happiness, which is far superior to anything the world can offer!

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)

"Happy" in the Bible:

"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding." (Proverbs 3:13)

"He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16:20)

"Behold, happy is the man who God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty." (Job 5:17)

The above Scriptural examples of happiness, although they do depict desirable spiritual conditions, are circumstantially related nonetheless, whereas joy is possible even when circumstances are not optimal. This is because only the joy of the Lord has the power to overshadow the grievances of life. Happiness comes about in accordance to what is "happening" in our lives. When circumstances are up; a feeling of happiness will most likely accompany that positive situation.

In contrast, joy comes from the Lord and the Bible says that "The joy of the Lord is our strength."

"Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Joy can be ours in any situation. When facing even the most difficult challenges, as believers, we can lean on Christ Jesus, our Lord to lift us up out of the pit of life we have fallen into. Through seeking God in prayer; putting all our trust in Him and His Provision, we not only can find joy, we can even thrive and grow spiritually through difficult situations. Furthermore, difficulties can turn out to be blessings in disguise because of the way He turns our bad into good and we grow in our relationship and in trust of Him.

Seek God's JOY rather than mere, fleeting moments of circumstantial happiness!

Resist looking to the world's pleasures and solutions to dull emotional pain and/or find relief from torment; Jesus IS our source. He will heal, guide, relieve, comfort and protect you and lead you to the absolute best decisions to make in every situation you face.

Christians experience unfathomable joy in the midst of disaster and through that joy, gain in strength, direction and amazing peace that is "beyond understanding:"

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

If it weren't for God's divine help and counsel, I would have surely died in one sense or another. I love to meditate on this godly principle:

"Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction." (Psalm 119:92)

The Bible teaches that we will lean on Christ and seek His Counsel if we are wise. Knowing God and seeking Him in times of confusion and crisis will lead us to the most desirable outcome, as opposed to figuring things out for ourselves. Because God is all-knowing and is ready and more than willing and able to help:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Jesus said that we ought to "hang on the Vine," which is Christ and that we ought to "cheer up because we know the One Who knows ALL and has overcome ALL!"

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Furthermore, the Bible teaches that all that stress we get ourselves into is actually harmful to our health and that even includes our physical health. BUT, it doesn't have to be that way---We actually do have a choice:

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm." (Proverbs 37:7-8)

AND, something else to keep in mind---when we fret, we can't hear God's Voice:

"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalm 37:1-3)

Moreover, God commands joy which depicts joy as a choice, much like with thanksgiving:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)

"Rejoice in the Lord always, Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

I pray for the family of God that we seek Him and His joy over temporal happiness...In JESUS' Name, AMEN.

NKJV

Linzy has been writing for many years; seriously since her 3 kids were still young and inspirational. She has taken 2 courses in Bible studies and completed "Four Soils" Bible study course in a 26-month period; earning her certification in Bible Counselling.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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