DEVOTION – DAY 385

1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Seek Joy”

1 Thessa.5:16 “Be joyful always.”

To many people, being joyful and being happy means the same thing. People think that the feelings of happiness, warmth in their hearts, being contented with the comforts of life, is like the joy they have in Jesus. So, to many people, joy and happiness are the same thing.

But there is a big difference between happiness and joy. It is possible to experience joy even though we may face times of hardship, heartache and sorrow because the joy comes from the Lord Jesus. Happiness is an emotional feeling people get when they receive or enjoy something of value to them. Examples include a new car or house, a piece of jewelry, new clothes, new toys or a day spent at spa, or a dinner at a great restaurant. But joy is deeper than just an emotional feeling. Joy is a product of someone who is great. That person is Jesus Christ who died on the cross to remove our guilt and shame. And when we go to Him asking for the grace to weather our hardship, heartache and sorrow, He gives us abundant grace. This is why Christians can be joyful even when they are facing challenges.

A man in Kerala, India had a lowly paid job as a street sweeper. But one day, he found that he had won the state lottery and suddenly, he had millions of rupees in his bank account. He was happy because he thought all his problems were over. He could afford to pamper himself and buy everything he liked. He and his family would be able to live comfortably. His happiness was short-lived. Because his success with the lottery was well publicized, he received hundreds of requests from poor people asking for donations. Charities also came around to his house asking for donations. He had no peace. He no longer trusted anyone because everyone seemed to want some of his money. He was always arguing with his wife over how they should be spending money. He was afraid of being cheated and he soon wished that he had not won the lottery at all. He was happier when he was just a simple street sweeper.

Contrast this with another woman who was a nun with the Sisters of the Poor. She had nothing to her name. She took a vow of poverty and she serves the Lord by ministering to the poor in Kerala. But she is full of joy even if she had to work hard and for long hours helping the poor. She is joyful because she knows her work has eternal value, and that her work is pleasing to the Lord. Her joy comes from the Lord.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are the source of joy. Please help us to be joyful always because we have you in our lives. Please help us to always get our priorities right, to seek joy from you, and not happiness that the world has to offer. We pray this in the powerful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Question

  1. Why do so many people want to seek happiness and not joy in their lives? Discuss.
  2. What is the difference between happiness and joy?
  3. Which is more lasting, happiness or joy?
  4. How can you actively seek joy every day? Discuss.