Barbara Anderson
February 26, 2021
“I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” — John 15:11
Remember Eeyore and Tigger and Winnie-the Pooh? For Eeyore, no matter what amazing circumstance came his way, doom and gloom remained his focus. For Tigger, he never perceived anything could go wrong with his happy-go-lucky outlook. In our daily lives, we often have the attitude of Eeyore while desiring the outlook of Tigger — two extreme viewpoints of life. The biblical brand of joy is not simply overcoming our inner Eeyore, nor is it strolling through life in ignorant bliss. It is found in facing each day’s ups and downs through the contentment Christ offers.
Happiness and Joy are NOT the same! Happiness slides up and down, based on our perception of negative issues affecting us at the time. Problems rise; happiness goes down. Troubles begin to go away; the happiness starts to climb. Joy, however, is not dependent on circumstances.
· Happiness is a state of mind, while joy is a mind-set.
· Happiness comes and goes, while joy can be constant.
· Happiness is dependent, while joy is independent.
· Happiness is conditional, while joy is unconditional.
The psalmist reminds us of the joy that comes when we rest in God’s presence:
“You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” — Psalm 16:11
Thank you, God, for reminding us that our joy is found in you. Amen.
