Happiness or Joy

Happiness or Joy

by Diana Scothorn

For many years I searched for what I felt would bring me satisfaction and happiness. There was always something I was striving for that I just knew would satisfy me! For as long as I can remember, I had something on my list of “next” to bring satisfaction.

In all actuality…

…my appetite was never satisfied. My goals and vision continually became bigger. Goals and vision are necessary to accomplish what we have been called to do, but if we are not careful, we will begin to put our accomplishment before God’s plan and propose for our life.

I thought all my projects, new ideas, new diets, and accomplishments would bring me happiness! I’ve learned through years of first-hand experience that “worldly satisfaction” only brings sufficient provision for immediate need.

If I’m thirsty, a glass of water can quench my immediate thirst but most certainly will not satisfy my thirst for a lifetime. I was searching for joy but settling for temporary satisfaction. God did not want to satisfy me, but fill me up with His joy in full. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.

It’s easy to get “full” of life. When my children were in school, we had a full schedule year-round. Like many parents, we had basketball, football, track, and cheerleading that our life revolved around week after week. There was very little time for anything else.

I see so many couples that when children leave home, their life is empty. Many women suffer from depression, feeling they’re missing an essential part of their purpose. They have no desire or energy to do anything. When our Joy is empty, our strength becomes weak. Nehemiah 8:10 states, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Jesus wants our life to be so full of Him; He is all we need! He desires to draw us close to Him so we will never be out of His Presence! Psalm 16:11 says,

“You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” It is only through His continual presence that we can have lasting joy.

Joy is a constant supply source of happiness that comes from knowing Jesus. Knowing there is not one good thing He will withhold from us will produce joy. He is for us, and He’ll see us through every trial. He knows who we are, and He will always love us unconditionally.

People, places, and things can bring temporary satisfaction. However, it is the joy of the Lord that comes from having a relationship with Jesus that will bring fulfillment for a lifetime.

True joy is not a feeling but a relationship that produces lasting happiness! A beautiful spring day can make you happy for a day, but knowing Jesus brings JOY for a lifetime!