So, if you remember my post from yesterday, Have a Good Day, I had started talking about something my mom had said to me at the end of one of our phone conversations.
“Have a good, joyful, happy, productive day…”
For whatever reason, the whole phrase really stood out to me. Probably because I have been working on the whole joyful and happiness bit. Not to mention – trying to be productive. But that’s a story for another day. Namely, tomorrow…
Today, I am going to focus on Joyful and Happy.
There is actually quite a bit of controversy in religious circles about these two words and their meanings, believe it or not. Some theologians want to separate them and classify them as two entirely different things, while others point out the synonymous ways in which they’re used in the Bible. So, which one is correct?
Beats me!
I am certainly not a theologian nor a scholar, I am just trying to figure it out as I keep learning more and more. At this point, based on what I know right now, I am leaning towards classifying Joyful and Happy as synonyms.
How are Joyful and Happy defined?
In our Bible Talk, we are going through the Fruits of the Spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
We recently led a discussion on Joy.
In preparing for the lesson, we researched what joy really is. There are a ton of articles on the subject. It was interesting to see that the further I kept going down the list, the more happiness was brought into the mix. While some of them showed the similarities between the two, there were others that drew major distinctions. The majority of the writings that showed a difference between joyful and happy talked about Worldly Happiness vs. Joy.
I can understand why they contrasted the two, but in the end, I am not sure I agree. While happiness and joy can come from myriad of things, sometimes the feeling is fleeting, and sometimes it lasts much longer. I look at it like this – the things of the world are only able to bring happiness (or joy) for a shorter period of time, and God brings joy (or happiness) forever.
If Joyful is feeling or expressing great pleasure and happiness, and Happy is feeling or showing pleasure and contentment, then they are really the same. (Throwing out the caveat – once again – I’m no theologian here. I’m just trying to understand it the best I can…)
I recently purchased a number of books at a Christian bookstore which was closing its doors. (Check out my post on Gluttony…) I thought I remembered picking up a book on joy, and there it sat, on my bookshelf – Choose Joy, by Kay Warren. When looking at the book spine, I didn’t notice the subtitle. After I took it down to take a look, I saw it all… Choose Joy – Because Happiness Isn’t Enough. Oh, boy. I’m moving this one up my list…
So, because there is once again dissension in the ranks, and I have probably helped muddy the waters even more, I have to turn to the one source that that has the answers – my Bible.
What does the Bible say about it?
These first two passages are about being joyful and happy. Both words are used together. Yet nowhere is Peter or Jesus talking about happiness in worldly things.
In this passage, Peter is talking to the Jewish Christians who were driven out of Jerusalem.
You love him even though you have never seen him; though not seeing him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself. And your further reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9
Here, Jesus is telling the parable of the lost sheep.
When you arrived you would call together your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found. Well, in the same way heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:6-7
There are many passages in the Bible that include a form of joy. These are a couple of my favorites.
He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him. Psalm 28:7
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
And, finally, happy! There are many instructions on how to be happy and glad in the bible. This passage from Psalm 119 really lays it out very clearly.
Happy are all who perfectly follow the laws of God. Happy are all who search for God, and always do His will, rejecting compromise with evil, and walking only in His paths. Psalm 119:1-3
God blesses those who obey him; happy the man who puts his trust in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20
So, what is a Joyful and Happy Day?
All debating aside, in the end, I think it really depends on where you find your happiness and joy. If it is from the world, then it will always be fleeting. There have been many times that I thought I would be so much happier if I had this…. or when that happened… While It did bring me happiness for a while, because it was of the world, it really didn’t last.
But, if it’s from God, I know it will last.
So, to me, the most important thing I need to remember is that I need to thank God and be joyful regardless of what is going on. That, in and of itself, will make it a Joyful and Happy Day.
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Your thoughts?
What do you think? Are Joyful and Happy the same thing, or not? I’d love to hear your take on this matter. I’ve seen compelling arguments on both sides. Can’t wait to hear from all of you!
