_edited.jpg)
Do you know the difference between happiness and joy?
Hey GEMgirls! I used to think that those two words were interchangeable. However, they’re actually quite different. One comes from the outside and the other comes from the inside. What exactly do I mean by that?
Well, happiness comes from things that happen to you externally. For example, it’s the feeling you get when you get your dream job, dream puppy, or when you’re accepted into your dream university. Happiness is dependent on your circumstances. It can easily be taken away by feelings of disappointment due to unpleasant things that happen in your life.
But joy flows from within. It often stems from a peace and reassurance that is found only in Jesus Christ. Joy is there no matter your circumstances. Whether you get your dream job or not, whether you get into your dream school or not, the joy that only Christ can give remains. Now I’m not saying that it’s bad to be sad or disappointed. Only don’t let those feelings take control of you. Give them to Jesus and allow him to turn your sorrow into joy.
”Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
XOXO,
Amen! That's SO true. I honestly never really thought about the difference between happiness and joy until I read this. But it makes so much sense! Only Jesus can give our hearts true joy. I love this! Thank you for sharing this topic!! 💗