A while ago I wrote a blog post comparing happy vs content. My conclusion was that, while “happy” is in our Declaration of Independence, it is fleeting and superficial compared to the deep, satisfying feeling of “content”. If I remember correctly, I stated that one could be content having a flat tire (looking at the bigger picture) but definitely could not be happy in the same situation.
Well, yesterday during my lunch Scripture reading, I came across some words in my NIV Life Application Study Bible that summarize that far better than I was able to. Below is exerpted from the NIV Life Application Study Bible and all credit goes to it. I am italicizing it to show they are not my words, but theirs.
“The word happiness evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit; spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party’s over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.
In contrast to happiness stands JOY. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives — that he will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.
Again, I could not have said it better.
…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net
