Joy is different from happiness although to many, they may mean the same. Happiness is contingent upon the realization of a cherished goal or want. Happiness is an external manifestation of that feeling of elation over a positive development in one's life.
Not so with joy. Joy is from the Creator. It is the feeling of indescribable joy that is not contingent on any external circumstances or situations in one's life. One may be in the most miserable and dangerous situation in life and still be in the state of indescribable or overflowing joy. Why? Because indescribable or overflowing joy is anchored on the firm hope and faith of the believer in the promise of His Creator.
Have you ever thought about the reasons why the early Christians exuded that indescribable joy even though they were persecuted, crucified and fed to the lions by their Roman tormentors? The frenzied mob that flocked the Coliseum during those times were awestruck by the stoic faith and calm in the faces of those Christian martyrs as they were mauled to death by lions, or were burned alive at the cross, or were mercilessly slaughtered by war toughened gladiators.
Expecting that the victims would be so hysterical and fight their tormentors to preserve their own lives, the audience were treated to a sight seemingly out of this world. The Christians were looking up to heaven and were singing praise and worship songs to their Creator. Why? Because they were clinging to that cherished hope that they will be with their Creator in His blissful abode after their impending demise.
If we are at peace with our Creator and we know that we are walking in His will, then we have that same indescribable and overflowing joy in our hearts. No matter what the circumstances may be, we may be living in the most wretched situation, yet that same indescribable and overflowing joy will remain in our hearts until we see the day of our eventual deliverance and return to the bosom of our Creator.
Posted by Mel Avila Alarilla
Philippines
Spiritual/Inspirational
10 comments:
Amen to that. And another thing about joy is that, no amount of money can buy it..
Hi Kimmy,
You are so right on that. No amount of money can buy joy for anyone. They can buy pleasure and happiness which are but fleeting but never joy. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.
This is absolutely true about joy, for there is no way happiness can ever become its equal.
God Bless!!!
Agree ako kay kimmy. Ang kaligayahan natin ay hindi basta basta mabibili. Thanks for this post. The difference between happiness and joy..
Hi Lon,
You are absolutely right. One is from above and the other is from below. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.
Hi Arvin,
Yes, I also agree with both of you. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you always.
In other words ang happiness parang mababaw version ng joy hehehe. or baka si joy yung messenger namin sa school before. joke lang Sir mel. I totally agree with your. Thanks for the post
Hi Shy,
Oo si Joy yung messenger nyo sa school dati. Siya rin yung choreographer nang Sex Bombs at siya ring kinakanta nang mga bata kapag nagka caroling sila tuwing pasko, hehehe. Thanks for your visit and funny comments. God bless you all always.
hahaha. sasabihin ko rin sana brother mel na si Joy rin yong bathroom tissue, hehehe wag nalang :-) seriously, i love your post. indeed, there's a distinction between joy and happiness and you explained it really well.
Hi Meretrisha,
Tama ka rin duon. Si Joy nga yung matibay na bathroom tissue, hehehe. Nothing wrong with having a good sense of humor my friend. Masyado namang magiging boring ang mundo natin kung puro serious na lang ang pinaguusapan natin,hehehe. I like Shy because of her keen sense of humor. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you all always.
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