Remember that Satan is a liar. Jesus tells us that he is the father of lies (John 8:44). That means that everything he breathes out is against God’s Word. The sad reality is that believers often fall into his lies because they almost sound like truth. One lie that has caught on in the church is that “God wants us to be happy.” He’s a loving God and cherishes His people, so why wouldn’t He want me to be happy? It’s true that God wants the best for us. It’s true that God loves to pour out His favor on those who remain faithful. But happiness? The Bible does not say that. But the Bible is clear that God wants us to have JOY. A stark difference.
It's important to note that happiness is based on our circumstances (and we know that those change like the wind), but joy is an inner contentment that is constant in the good and the bad.
Happiness is fleeting (Solomon said that chasing after happiness is like chasing after the wind). Joy is lasting. Happiness is temporary. Joy is eternal. Hence, joy is sustainable. Happiness is not. When we believe that God wants us to be happy, we begin on a quest to find happiness. We may find it, but it won’t last. And when happiness fails us, we develop a discontented spirit. Happiness is built on shifting sand that will cave in when the storms come. Joy is built on solid bedrock that cannot be broken no matter what’s going on. Joy is an anchor that will keep us from drifting.
So, how do we attain joy? According to our verse (Philippians 1:25), joy comes from our faith. And our faith comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The Apostle Paul often said that he received such joy when he saw the work of the Lord in the church (Philippians 4:1). Therefore, our faith grows stronger the more we let God’s Word pour over us. And the stronger our faith becomes, the more joy we will have. So, we should chase after joy, not happiness. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and one extraordinary gift God has offered us. Let these words encourage you today to go on a quest for joy.