The Difference Between Happiness And Joy

These are two very different states of being within humanity. It is important to define what each is and what that means to your state of mind.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

Happiness is an emotional and physiological response to outward stimuli such as a kind or flattering compliment or perhaps a gift that has value to the recipient. A hormonal reaction to these physical stimuli causes the body to produce endorphins which cause a physical response leading to a temporary sense of euphoria. For example, you walk into a room and as you look across to see various people, your eyes contact an attractive person smiling at you. You immediately feel a sense of happiness from this interaction. You feel the euphoria of someone noticing and smiling at you. You smile back and begin to make your way towards this person. As you continue smiling and walking towards this person, their focus shifts ever so slightly. They look directly at you and frown and shift their position to a non-receptive stance. You then realize they were looking at someone behind you and just to your left. Happiness leaves and you suddenly feel embarrassment and even a bit of shame. Compare this to the parable Jesus told in the book of Matthew. Chapter 7 in verse 26 and 27. Happiness is like shifting sand. A little wind and rain and it collapsed.

𝐉𝐨𝐲

Joy is a state of being that comes from the inward man or your inner spirit. Joy is based on deep relational bonds that outward stimuli cannot influence. For example, a mother with a child that has imperfections or disabilities is not deterred from finding joy in her relationship with her child. This child is dependent to some degree on its mother to overcome the challenges of its disabilities. Mom sees these difficulties but ignores the seriousness of them. She is looking into the inner spirit of her child and pours affection and love into her child. Every time her child’s eyes sparkle when she has an interaction with it, joy fills her heart even more. Negative comments from strangers do not deter her but cause her to draw closer to this child. Joy stands strong and resilient in the face of opposition. Compare this to the parable Jesus told in the book of Matthew. Chapter 7 in verse 24 and 25. Joy is a rock that you can stand on and regardless of the wind and rain, it will stand strong.

Our joy is built by strengthening our relationship with our Savior, Jesus. The Bible tells us in the book of Galatians in chapter five that joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Those of us who belong to Christ and who continually sacrifice our flesh’s passions and desires, live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit. We seek to grow our relationship with God the Father, and Jesus the Son. The closer we draw to Him, the more we desire to be like Him.

John 15:1-11 tells a story of how our relationship grows with the Father and the Son. By reading verses 1 through 10, you realize how important it is to build your relationship with them. Verse eleven tells us how to make our joy full.

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭.”

Choose joy over happiness and your life will have so much more meaning!