And then there is joy
There is a lot of talk about happiness. Books, media, and speakers focus on happiness. Many claim it is our fundamental right to be happy, though I’m not sure why they believe so. Happiness is a euphoric state of well-being derived from an emotional high or deep satisfaction.
Meeting a friend not seen in some time, winning a coveted award, learning a new skill or conquering something long worked toward, these all bring a sense of happiness. Happiness is a positive emotional response to what we think, do or experience.
The trouble with happiness is that those feelings are transient. They don’t last. Happiness is a natural high and much more positive than overdoing drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, that high can be almost as fleeting. Though it leaves many more positive memories.
Joy and happiness have much in common. Joy can also come from a physical or emotional experience. There is one big difference. Happiness is fleeting. Those euphoric feelings fade and may even send a person in a downward spiral of some sort. Joy, on the other hand, isn’t about a quick high.
When my sister-in-law’s mother was in assisted living, Keith and I would visit once in a while. We never wanted her to feel isolated or alone. Most of us do this. We think we’re offering something great with our time, but we’d end up spending way more time than planned. When we left, I don’t know if we left cheer in our wake, but WE felt a deep sense of joy.
Her approach to life couldn’t help but lift up. There was a lady who lived with joy. Despite her circumstances and increasing health problems, she radiated joy that was contagious to others. Her joy came from her faith, not her circumstances.
Joy doesn’t dissipate with time or circumstances. Joy and peace go together. In fact, joy is a theme of the Bible. I’ve heard and read countless true stories of those tortured, in ill health, or dealing with tragedy or a critical situation and yet they come through with a positive attitude and stronger faith.
How they’ve dealt with their situations, lifts up not tears down. This isn’t about happiness, but about an inner joy from the One who loves us beyond our imagination.
Happiness is wonderful, but I am thankful there is something more lasting faith and —joy.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, --Galatians 5:22
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, --James 1:2
…Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. --John 16:24
A joyful heart is good medicine, ….--Proverbs 17:22
© 2025 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in Kearney Hub 9/4/2025
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