Joy vs. Happiness

Joy is not an emotion. It is a fruit of having faith in Christ so that when trials come, focus is not shaken in who He is (John 15:9-11).

It is common to misunderstand and confuse the emotion of happiness with the eternal experience of joy.  At times, even recently, I have struggled with my emotions not lining up with what I knew to be true of Jesus faithfulness.  When my emotions have been down and all over the place, it has been distracting to remember that God is in control and has made me victorious over all my circumstances.  It has been a little hard to remember that a lost battle doesnt mean a lost war. 

Emotions, much like our life, are a fleeting vapor, and not to be held so tightly that it controls what we should know to be true from the Lord’s Word.

When His voice is a whisper, and His touch is barely noticable, if at all, is the time when knowing God’s Word becomes so crucial. We cant depend on how we feel or what we see or hear. The enemy is observant of our lives. He waits like a roaming lion for an opportunity to swoop in on the weak, but it is faith in Christ, running to His Word and waiting with Him, even if we cant feel Him, that gives us joy in the midst of an impossible situation.

May you be encouraged not to be like Peter, distracted by the raging waves of life’s storms. Remain focused on Jesus, even if you can’t hear Him or see Him holding you through life’s trials. The enemy will get you to question your very salvation, if he can, and try to draw you to find pleasure and “happiness” in this dishonoring to your walk and dishonoring to Christ.  And should you stumble, the enemy will try to convince you that you cant be forgiven or that you must move into being “work-focused” to earn God’s forgiveness and love back.  While we cant see our spiritual enemies, know that the war belongs to God. It is against Christ in us that the devil attacks, for he no longer has a place with God by his (their) own choice.

Remain focused on Him and you will see the clouds fade, the waves cease and your faith be stronger than when you began.

God is faithful always. Trust Him!!  He is always with you, no matter how it feels, looks, or sounds.  (Phil. 1:3-6)