Joy versus Happiness - Eternal vs Temporary - Jesus is the answer!

To me, happiness is like the leaves on this tree blowing in the wind. Swaying toward happiness or sadness depending on the circumstances of my life at a particular time. Eat a good meal, happy – bad meal, not so happy. Your kid hits a homerun, happy – strikes out, sad. Happiness comes and goes and is short term in nature. Joy, on the other hand, is more permanent, unchanging by the ups and downs of life. Like the tree trunk. Immoveable, unshakable, steady regardless of the wind or weather or life’s circumstances – that’s Joy!

A Catholic Benedictine Monk I think says it very well, “Joy is that kind of happiness that does not depend on what happens” No matter where the wind blows joy isn’t affected because with joy there is a lasting peace. A hope that you’d bet your life on.

That joy is in Jesus and comes from the Holy Spirit!!