Define Happiness and Joy

"I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also was proved to be meaningless." Eccles 2:1 NIV

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." 1 Peter 1:8 NIV

So many people think of joy and happiness as the same thing, but they are not. Joy is that expression of God that brings us peace in the middle of spiritual warfare. It is that which gives us peace undefinable. It is that emotion that does not depend upon the outward appearance and experience of the flesh. Joy is an attribute, a fruit of the Spirit of God that comes through His love and fruit for our eternal well being.

Happiness is an emotion that is expressed through the flesh. We find ourselves happy when things go right. When we get a raise, or an expression of love and good will towards us or others that we are close to. But the flesh will die and all those things that attributed to it. Happiness is not a fruit of the Spirit.

The world can understand happiness and sorrow; it cannot comprehend the joy of the Lord.

Today O Lord, we thank you for the joy which comes from you, for which the world has no understanding but that keeps us mobilized and trusting even in the events of collapse around the world. You are our Peace and through joy we receive spiritual strength to endure. Thank you Lord. Amen

A Fiery Flame For His Service
Susan Storm Smith