Joyful Things
Joy and happiness are important but vastly different. Happiness is connected to our circumstances. This temporary feeling is wonderful but fleeting and dependent on external influences. Joy is enduring, purposeful, connected to meaningful relationships, and grounded in truth. Even through difficult times, joy persists.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
I want to increase joy in my life. For me, finding more joy lies in honest conversation, creating a calm and peaceful life, and living a life that brings glory to God by loving others well. I also enjoy simple practices such as my morning coffee and quiet time, reading books, time in nature, and exercise. I want to add sourdough bread baking, knitting, and home decor projects to the joy-seeking list for the coming year. Although seeking more joy means changing some things, the stress, cost, and inconvenience are worth the outcome. But as Anne Lamott says, “Joy is the best makeup,” and I agree.
Our worth is not what we do, what we achieve, what we look like, what we weigh, or the number of dollars in our bank account. None of these things bring lasting joy even though accomplishments are celebrated, paying bills is a must, and good health is important. We all experience moments of happiness in life, and that’s a good thing. Yet, the world is full of comparison, judgment, and envy. Those are the flip side of the happiness coin. Circumstances, thoughts, other people, and sin affect our happiness. This is why it’s fleeting and undependable. Being happy isn’t guaranteed in life, although it is, of course, preferred. No one wants times of sorrow or hardship, but they can’t be avoided. A proper understanding of joy is beneficial when those difficult times come.
Joy is connected to our worth and purpose. Ultimate joy depends on Christ.
