I’m kinda in the midst or writing Spiritual/Life Epiphany #2, which is why I’ve been holding back on devo posts, but I wanted to post something else instead that I’ve been wanting to post about for a while.

The difference between happiness and joy.

I’m no psychology expert or anything btw. But this actually came up in an old devo book I had done previously.

The topic of the devo was “Radiant joyfulness” with a few verses from Psalm 34: 5,8:

Those who look to [the LORD] for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces… Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
-Psalm 34:5, 8

And from the devo reading:

Throughout the Bible, God promises his people joy–not happiness, which is based on circumstances–but the ability to rejoice in his very nature and presence no matter what the circumstances are.

According to my general and limited knowledge of the English language. “joy” and “happiness” are synonyms (that is 2 words, spelt differently, with the same meaning). And that’s what I had known up until I read this devo. But the more I thought about the 2 words based on this devo. The more I thought about how true “joy” really comes from God.

So instead of looking for happiness based on circumstance, I look for joy in God and what He blesses me with. Because all happiness fades with circumstance, but joy in God will last forever.

Why?

Because God is always with us :]

Oh and off the top of my head though, I don’t think I’ve even seen the word “happy/happiness” used in the Bible. So….I guess in my head, that would mean, there has to be a difference between “happiness” and “joy” if the word isn’t being used.