Happiness vs Joy

I heard a sermon on Sunday about Psalm 92 which inspired this poem and gave me a whole new outlook on the difference between happiness and joy.

Defining Joy

“The joy of the Lord is my strength”- Nehemiah 8:10,

To that verse I can shout a big Amen,

Most think thankfulness comes from joy; however just the opposite is true,

Joy arises from being thankful for all things given in Christ Jesus, to me and you,

Joy is gladness in the Lord; It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit:  a positive attitude,

It is not a happy emotion based on circumstances, but it is based on gratitude,

Bad circumstances should not steal the joy we have in Him,

Giving thanks in all circumstances is not just a whim,

Biblical joy is acknowledging God’s goodness, even during difficult situations,

It is not a season in life, but a way of life; it is our rock, our sanctification,

It does not take away pain and suffering or loss; it does not make us carefree,

Joy is peace, contentment deep in our souls; not a happy-faced emoji,

Happiness is temporary, but joy is a fullness; a satisfaction of the heart,

We can be sorrowful and still have joy; each is not set apart,

Certain people exude joy when you encounter them,

Which can be infectious and uplifting, like a sweetly sung hymn,

It is a heart condition that everyone should find healing,

An inner willingness to declare ourselves “blessed “- not just a happy feeling,

Go ahead and use those yellow-faced emojis to put happy on people’s faces,

But choose joy for your heart that overflows into all the right places!

Tammy Harvey

Written:  8/12/2019