Part 3: Happiness or Joy?

We've been talking about joy: what it is, what steals it, and how to have more of it in our lives. Today I'm sharing on the spiritual component of joy and the difference between happiness and joy. Joy is key to living the abundant life and to igniting our personal power. When we lack joy, we are unmotivated. Each day is a chore to get through and that is not how we were meant to live. So let's learn more about joy and happiness.

Happiness depends on circumstances. Happiness is the temporary feeling we get from circumstances, things, and events like attending a concert, visiting a sunny spot to vacation, buying some new trinket or toy. These bring happiness but not necessarily joy. Ask some of the Hollywood rich and famous.

Joy is different. Joy, the older sister of happiness, comes from deep inside our Spirit. Joy is an eternal fountain that waters our souls. It does not depend on our circumstances.  In fact, joy can still be had even during the worst of times.   
Here's a personal story.
My mom recently lost her husband and at 85 years of age, is now dealing with all the stuff of taking care of a huge house, paying the bills, and basically living a single life after 30 years of being married. So I sent her a letter on how to have more joy to help her cope.

"I got your letter", she says. "But I'm not feeling very joyful today."

Notice the key word "feeling".

Well, there you go. Joy is not a feeling.

Joy is a choice and a practice.
Ok, so I know it is not natural to feel joyful when we go through tough times, but we can choose how we feel, rather than let our feelings control us all the time. I'm getting a lot of practice on this myself these days due to some family issues. The fountain of joy stems from the knowledge that God loves us, cares for us, and even though He allows situations into our lives that might not make us "feel" joyful or happy, he always will.  This is where faith comes in - knowing that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). God is in the business of growing us up and many of the tough things that happen in our lives, ultimately, work for our good and our growth. The choice is up to each of us whether to let the lower, negative energies sap our joy and our strength, or whether we will choose joy.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, which means in each of us has been deposited the seed of joy.
It is up to us to nurture and grow that seed until it becomes the refreshing fountain we so desire. And that takes a bit of work and some practice. We have a part to play in this whole thing too. See last week's posts.

The exciting news is when you combine happiness (outside circumstances) with joy (inner delight) watch your world explode! You will be jumping up and down like I do and people will think you are crazy! Let them!

Have you ever given thought to the difference between happiness and joy? Has this post clarified a few things? If you'd like to join our community and receive my bi-weekly posts,  enter your email in the box provided. You'll also a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

In the meantime, do comment and share with a friend.  I'd love to connect with you.
Stay tuned for more on igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz