Happiness or Joy?

Two words that are commonly used interchangeably to mean basically the same thing. They do not. One is a man-made word (as it is used) and the other an eternal Word of God.

Happiness is not found in the Holy Scriptures. It is commonly used to describe an emotional state, a feeling, a contentment/gladness/delight. The word happy does appear 6 times in the New Testament. It is translated from the Greek, makarios, which 39 times is translated blessed.

Makarios describes someone possessing the favor of God, marked by the fullness of God, or the state of the Believer in Christ. The most notable appearances are in Matthew 5:3-11. Try those using the Scriptural meaning of makarios.

Joy (Greek, chara) is an Eternal Word from God. It is one of the Fruit of Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Not an emotional state or feeling. A manifestation or embodiment of God Himself. Used 50 verses in the N.T. to speak of this joy. Grab a concordance, look up joy, and see how beautifully the manifestation, embodiment, or Life of God fits and expounds the Truth to you.

Verses like John 15:11; Matthew 25:21,23; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 John 1:4 will fill your cup. If you want a real filling, try 1 Peter 1:8… “ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Glory is doxazo, full of praise and worship of Jesus Christ in this context.

May you fully enjoy the joy of the Lord every day!