Happiness vs. Joy
Happiness – depends on circumstances; a fleeting emotion
Joy – not based on day-to-day fluctuations in our feelings, relationships, and situations
Happiness depends on happenings // Joy depends on Jesus Christ.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers
and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day
until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:1-6 (New International Version)
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened
to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has
become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else
that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the
brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare
all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV)
Are we able to find joy in the midst of our challenges?
Are we able to be a witness for Jesus in the midst of our pain and suffering?
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ no only to believe in him,
but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw
I had, and now hear that I still have.
Philippians 1:27, 29–30 (NIV)