Sunday Soaking: Happiness is Good … JOY is Far Better!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…
Galatians 5:22

Joy is number two on the Holy Spirit’s top nine list.  We often use “joy” and “happy” interchangeably, but they are vastly different:

• Happy is temporary; joy is eternal.
• Happy is circumstance dependent; joy transcends circumstances.
• Happy can be baked, bought, and driven; joy only comes from the Holy Spirit.

Nothing wrong with an apple pie, new pair of shoes, or shiny sports car. But those things are temporary. The new car smell fades, the apple pie is eaten (or gets buried in the fridge and goes bad), and I inevitably wear the heels off my new shoes. We can appreciate and enjoy good things, but we don’t need to settle for them. As women of God, there is more – so much more!

When we chase after joy, we need not be held hostage by our emotions. An overdue bill can’t rob us of joy, and we can stay out of the ring when angry people or defiant children want to go twelve rounds.

Joy calms our spirits in a way that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

If you are writing along with us this October and November, you’ll encounter some familiar verses on joy – but taking the time to write them out and think them through prompts contemplation and consideration.

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Psalm 95:1

Our salvation is cause for great joy. No matter how long we have known Jesus, our identity in Him should prompt grateful praise and shouts of joy. Have you taken time this week (month? year?) to be amazed again that the creator of the universe loves you and died for you?

Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
Psalm 119:111

What a blessing to see His statues not as rules to be kept, but blessings to be enjoyed. Our sanctification brings this transformative thinking.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
Now remain in my love.
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commands
and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:9-11

Do you see how love dovetails with joy? As we abide in God’s love, choosing to keep His commands is a natural result. We live in that sweet spot of want to, letting go of the have to. Our heavenly Father knows that obedience to Him releases the blessing of complete joy in our lives.

You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2:28

Nothing else satisfies like the blessed assurance that comes from being in His presence. Joy!

May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

The more we abide in Him, the more peace and joy begin to define us. We live on earth with an eye toward heaven. A daily awareness that my true identity is in Him and my true citizenship is in heaven brings a heart overflowing with hope.

I have no greater joy than to hear
that my children are walking in the truth.
III John 4

I’ve often used this verse to declare praise to God when I see my children (and grandchildren) making godly choices. But perhaps it also represents God’s own joy when He sees us as His children walking the light of His truth. Are we giving Him great joy with our actions, attitudes, thoughts and behaviors today?

Are you ready to set your sights higher than happy … and allow JOY to fill you?

Don’t forget to download this month’s Write the WORD bookmark
& begin writing along with us as we explore what Scripture tells us
about the Fruit of the Spirit.

In this week’s teaching video, Mollie Duddleston from Cross Church shared this important message: Do not lose heart, because God’s glory is at stake! We invite you to watch as Molly reminds us of this truth from God’s Word.