Joy vs. Happiness

Rick Odden

Did you know the Bible uses the words happy and happiness about 30 times, while joy and rejoice appear over 300 times?

Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience but are very different. Joy comes first from who we know. Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!.” John 15:11. We experience joy when we make peace with who we are, and why we are and how we are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts, and events.

I have often heard that happiness is the form of the word “happen,” therefore, happiness is the result of positive things that happen to us. Joy, however, comes from knowing that no matter what is happening around us, we are at peace and can have joy in all circumstances.

Rick Warren adds his own definition of joy: “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

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

True joy does not fluctuate because it is not based on feelings or circumstances, but on who Christ is and what Christ has accomplished. As a Christian, my joy is directly related to spiritual salvation and the forgiveness of sin and my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Joy is God and comes from God. It is one aspect of the Holy Spirit’s fruit. Joy does not come automatically but is experienced only as we remain growing and in a personal relationship with Christ. True Joy cannot be destroyed by pain, suffering, weakness or difficult circumstances.

JAMES 1:2

“Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.” Christians can be happy, even in the midst of difficulties, because we know “the testing of our faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (verses 3–4). As we persevere through trials, with God’s help, our faith strengthens and matures. We mature. By God’s grace, we can be happy despite our circumstances.

It is common today to hear believers speak of the difference between joy and happiness. The teaching usually makes the following points: 1) Happiness is a feeling, but joy is not. 2) Happiness is fleeting, but joy is everlasting. 3) Happiness depends on circumstances or other people, but joy is a gift from God. 4) Happiness is worldly, but joy is divine.  

Where the true difference comes from is one is a relationship with God and the other is focused on the world.  Those who are in the world, derive their Joy/Happiness from the things of this world where moth and rust destroys, thus their joy/happiness is temporary and short-lived.  Their future consists of the next possession, experience, or action. The feelings are short-lived and last until the newness wears off. 

Those who live for God and have a lasting relationship with him have an internal, lasting joy that brings happiness into their lives. They experience joy by serving others, freely giving, but also when they face life’s ups and downs. They know that all is for a moment and will not impact their eternity.

So today where do you derive your Joy and Happiness from?

Does it come from the things of this world or does it come from your relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ, who gave his life so that you can have life eternal? If you derive your happiness/joy from your possessions then it will be short-lived and disappointing.  Whereas if your happiness/joy comes from the Lord then it is eternal and you cannot be robbed of it.

No matter what our circumstances are, nobody can strip us of our relationship with Christ and the joy we experience walking with him. “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy” John 16:22

There is always hope and our hope is in our future with Christ. As they say, “keep your eye on the prize.” Better yet, keep your eyes on the crown. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14  

Choose to walk in joy, the joy of the Lord, and with great expectation: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She suffered for three years in a nursing home. It was difficult to understand why God had not taken her home sooner. When she finally went home to be with Jesus August 2011, where we found hope by remembering how God used her life to the end. A nurse in the home where she lived found Jesus as her Savior.

Orville lost the love of his life and passed away two years later, December 2013.