Happiness or Joy?

Think with me for a minute about the word happy. Kind of a funny word, isn't it? Say it out loud to yourself enough times and it gets even weirder.

What does the word  happy or happiness mean to you? To me, it's rather shallow. To me, happiness represents a feeling that is passing. It won't last.

Now think about the word joy. It sounds deeper, doesn't it? As if there's more depth of feeling and emotion. To me, joy lasts longer than happiness.

People in this world are constantly searching for what will make them happy. What they often find only gives a passing pleasure. The things of this earth do not provide joy. (You know, that lasting depth of feeling we talked about.) Sure you can find things that make you happy. But they won't last.

So what's wrong? What are we missing? Why is it so hard to find joy?

I can sum up the answer in two words: Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can bring joy to a person's soul.

I will tell you honestly that I am never so happy as when I am serving God.

But there's that shallow word again: happy. Perhaps it is better said, I am never so joyful as when I am serving God.

So, happiness or joy? Which will you choose?

Christ is the only One who brings joy. The things of this world are only temporary.

The choice is yours.