"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again. Rejoice!" Philippines 4:4
My husband and I recently watched “The Pursuit of Happyness” movie with actor Will Smith as Chris Gardner. Many trials appeared along his young journey including his wife leaving, becoming homeless with his 5 year old son, and barely surviving financially. Gardner was determined to find happiness through hard work while striving to achieve graduate status through a highly competitive internship program.
People today desperately want to be happy seeking the so-called pleasures of our society. Pleasures can create happiness but the effects do not last.
How do you pursue happiness?
In contrast to happiness stands joy. Is there a difference between happiness and joy as you contemplate these terms? In what and whom do you seek to find and experience joy?
While in prison, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi and told the believers to rejoice always. How could Paul say such a thing while he was facing execution for his faith in Jesus Christ? He had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. His inner attitude was not influenced by his outward circumstances.
Joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives . . . that the Lord God will be there no matter what. Joy comes from believing in God, belonging to His kingdom, and knowing Jesus as Lord.
Experiencing genuine joy and contentment when life is difficult is possible only when you lean on God’s strength instead of your own.
If you have not been joyful lately you may not be looking at life from the right perspective.
Happiness is a moment in time due to current circumstances. Whereas, joy is a lasting intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, now and forever.
"I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Habakkuk 3:18