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Joy Vs. Happines: What's The Difference Anyway?

Up today, thinking, what's the difference between joy and happiness? It got me genuinely curious because the Bible says in Galatians 5:22-23 that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit... not happiness. So, I went to a dictionary.

Happiness, according to the Oxford dictionary, is the state of being happy, and happy is feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. Joy, on the other hand, is the feeling of great pleasure and happiness. So, why are we going round in circles and repeating the same thing? They can be used interchangeably, right? Wrong... not according to the Bible, at least.

The Bible attributes joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit and not happiness because happiness is fleeting... joy is permanent. Happiness is an emotion... you've been working hard on something, and you finally get it; you wanted a new bag, and finally had the money to get it – small, mundane things in our everyday life that lift our spirits.

But joy, on the other hand... joy is a decision, a choice. I read somewhere that joy was defined as "a profound and enduring sense of happiness and contentment rooted in spiritual realities, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and often associated with God's presence and favor, rather than fleeting happiness."

Joy is deciding that, whether this thing goes my way or not, I will choose to rely on God's way and His plan for me. That, even in physical pain or what others might call sorrows... in my worst, I relinquish all to Christ and choose His joy... and, most importantly, His peace.

But it's not easy... we are all but human, after all... and that's why joy, not happiness, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. So, we have to let Him work in us, so that His joy can shine through.


As I wrap up this post, I want to leave you with a question:What's one area of your life where you can choose joy over happiness today? 

Remember, joy is a journey, not a destination. It's okay to stumble, but don't give up! Keep seeking God's joy, and know that you're not alone.

Sincerely Yours,
DCG Team.
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