Joy versus Happiness

While my grandson was still in the hospital after his birth, my wife and I had the privilege of babysitting my granddaughter.  At only two and a half years old, she is sweet, funny, and adventurous. She loves wearing dresses, fixing her hair and playing rough. She knows what she wants and is not bashful in telling you what she does not want. Any grandparent can tell you all about their grandchildren and are more than willing to do so. My favorite thing to see on her face is the joy.

Is there anything better to see on a child’s face than joy? They do not need a lot. The small things bring them joy. My granddaughter loves to swing. When I take her to the park that is the first thing she wants to do. She wants her G-Pop to push her on the swing. Her face lights up. Her mouth opens wide with a smile. That smile turns into a giggle and then a laugh as I joke and push her on the swing.

It is harder to see the joy on an adult’s face. We get so busy with the things in this world that we forget how to be joyful. We stress. We overwork ourselves. We focus on the big things. We spend money to find happiness only to find that joy cannot be purchased. Some people confuse happiness for joy, but they are not the same thing.

“Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience but are very different. Joy is more consistent and is cultivated internally. It comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts, and events.” - Psychologies

I remember times when I was happy because of things that were happening around me. Friends or family were gathered, the Saints won the Super Bowl, and the purchase of a new home or car all made me happy If and when these things happen again, I will be happy again.

 I remember when I truly gave my life to my heavenly Father by putting my trust in his son, Jesus. A joy came alive in me. This joy was something different from happiness. It was something that I would have regardless of what was happening around me. Joy is not dictated by my circumstances. Chaos can be happening all around, yet joy is still sustainable. I know who I am. I know to whom I belong. I am at peace and am full of joy.

I know that joy can be stolen from you. I ran into an old friend who had retired and told me I must have gotten married. I told him I had recently married my wife but asked how he came to that conclusion. He told me that it was because as we spoke, nothing used to bother me. Things would roll off my back. In the few minutes we spoke, he could tell that I was carrying stress. Something was stealing my joy. He was right. I had lost my joy. No, my wife did not steal it from me.  My focus on taking care of my family’s needs and responsibilities became a burden that took away my joy. I love my family. I love taking care of my family. The problem was not my family; it was my allowing the stress to overpower my joy.

I made a conscious effort to take back my joy. I realize that my responsibilities continue, and I will not allow hardships to overcome my joy. I have people that ask how I can still smile through all the hardships I have endured. It is because of my joy. My joy was a gift from God. I hold that precious gift dear. There are times I must remind myself of that joy, but when I do, it sustains me. 

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10