Is there a difference between joy and happiness? Joy and happiness are similar in meaning to some extent. However, there is a distinct difference between the two words. Joy is ‘a confident and certain innermost feeling that circumstances do not change.’ Webster dictionary describes joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune, or the prospect of possessing what one desires.” Experience shows there is more about joy than this description. Joy definitely does not depend on circumstance, whereas happiness does. Happiness has to do with “external” factors such as people, places, things, status, wealth, possessions, etc. If things work out the way one anticipates, then one will be happy. Happiness at best is a temporary situation.
Here is a good example of joy. The Bible says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Is this for real, you may ask. How can I possibly “count it all joy” when I am confronted with trials of various kinds? The answer is for the “testing of your faith.” God does not promise that the Christian life would be without challenges and difficulties. Jesus Christ said “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “Take heart” means to be courageous. No one will ever pass through what the Lord did for us in going to the Cross.
The writer to the Hebrews says, “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Here is the “perfect example” of what joy is. The Lord Jesus willingly suffered, bled, and died for our sins, without counting the cost. He “endured the cross, despising the shame.” Surely, there was pain, agony, and humiliation of the Cross. “Jesus endured the pain, scorn, sorrow, rejection, and betrayal of the Cross for the joy set before Him. It was enough to keep Him focused and stop Him from answering His accusers” (Dr Charles Stanley, Life Principles Bible, p. 1503). Yet, Jesus was not deterred to die for us.
Joy inspires and enables the Christian to praise God irrespective of prevailing circumstances. The apostle Paul said. “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11) Paul endured numerous hardships and privations in his life, “far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death” (2 Corinthians 11:23). Yet, he continued to rejoice in the Lord. On one occasion he said, “I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit not knowing what will happen to me there except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish any course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:22-24). Note, his resolve was to go to Jerusalem “not knowing what will happen to me there.” This is real joy.
There is absolutely no doubt Paul found great joy in living for, and serving his Lord. He said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself.” This gives us a window into the very heart and character of this man. No matter what is involved, he was willing and determined to serve God with every fiber of his being. Think for a moment if this could be truly said of us, especially in this day and age we are living? Paul was not only focusing on the time then present, but also the future, “if only I may finish any course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.”
When King David sinned against God, he acknowledged his sin, and asked God, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:12). David needed a restoration of that joy which was affected because of his sin. Salvation brings a wonderful joy to the believer in Jesus Christ. And Peter declares: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8,9). Isn’t this exciting and wonderful? The Christian’s joy is “inexpressible and filled with glory” and should motivate us to consistently rejoice in the Lord.
Joy is also one of the nine essential “components” of the “fruit of the Holy Spirit.” “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22,23). “Fruit” is singular and represents the graces or qualities of Christian character resulting from our union with Jesus Christ, which also produces His likeness in us.
As a kid in Sunday School, we used to sing this chorus titled, If You Want Joy: “If you want joy, real joy, Wonderful joy, Let Jesus come into your heart. Your sins he’ll wash away, Your night he’ll turn to day, Your life he’ll make it over anew. If you want joy, real joy, Wonderful joy, Let Jesus come into your heart.
Taken a step further, joy can be found in the various aspects of Christian life and service. For example, joy of christian fellowship, joy of giving, joy of praying, joy of reading, studying, and applying God’s Word, joy of witnessing, joy of worshiping and serving God, joy of sins forgiven, joy of forgiving others, joy of helping or reaching out to others. There may also be other things that we can find real joy and satisfaction in doing, which will make the world a better place for everyone. Joy is a strong motivator.