A Faith Journal

Welcome to week 3, Joy. When we look at joy, we need to first understand what joy really is. Many of us use the words joy and happiness interchangeably.

First, what is happiness? Britannica.com defines happiness as “a state of emotional well-being that a person experiences.” In other words, it is an emotion that happens based on events or others. Now what is joy? Merriam-Webster.com defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success or good fortune.” They do sound very similar but let’s find an example that could explain the differences between them.

It’s Christmas morning and you get a gift that you have been wanting. It’s the perfect moment of spending time with family and getting a desired gift. You are very happy at this moment. Years later, you are alone on Christmas morning. You don’t receive any gift, but you are joyful. You are sad that this Christmas is different, but you are choosing to be joyful for all the previous Christmas moments both good and bad.

So, when you break it down simply, happiness is an emotion you experience without a lot of effort and joy is an emotion you choose to experience no matter what is happening. Joy is, in my opinion, easier to come across when we have a relationship with God. Then joy can be experienced because you know what you are going through is only temporary and the end result will be worth any ups and downs we are undergoing.

Today, ask God to give you happy moments to help fuel the joyful moments of our future.

Heavenly Father,
Happiness comes and goes. Our relationship with you is constant, whether we are actively seeking you or not. So, it makes it easier for us to choose joy with you by our side. We are choosing today to be joyful for all our ups and downs because we know you are using them for our good. We will rejoice in you always through the ups and downs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.