Grace, Mercy & Miracles

Rather than sharing what makes me happy, I want to share the difference between joy and happiness.

In a world that constantly urges us to be happy, we often chase feelings that are fleeting and fragile. We look for happiness in success, comfort, approval, relationships, or moments when everything seems to be going right. And while happiness is not wrong, it was never meant to carry the full weight of our lives.

There is something deeper and steadier than happiness. It is called joy.

Happiness is an emotional response to circumstances. It rises when life feels good and falls when things go wrong. A promotion, a kind word, a beautiful day, these moments can bring happiness. But when disappointment, loss, or hardship enters, happiness often disappears just as quickly as it came. Happiness depends on what is happening. And because life is unpredictable, happiness alone is an unstable foundation.

Joy is not the absence of pain. It is the presence of hope. Joy is rooted in meaning, truth, and purpose, something far deeper than emotions. It is an inner assurance that remains even when circumstances are difficult. Joy says, This hurts, but I am not abandoned. It says, This is hard, but it is not the end. Joy does not deny suffering. It endures through it.

When we confuse happiness with joy, we can feel like something is wrong with us when life hurts. We may think faith has failed us because we do not feel happy. But joy was never meant to replace grief or sorrow. It was meant to carry us through it.

Happiness says, Life is good right now.
Joy says, God is good always. That distinction changes everything.

Joy Is a Strength. Scripture reminds us, The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Not comfort.
Not ease.
Not perfect circumstances.

Joy is strength because it anchors us when everything else shakes. It gives us the ability to endure, to hope, and to love even when life is heavy.

Happiness and joy are not enemies. We can enjoy moments of happiness when they come, laughter, celebration, beauty. But we do not build our lives on them.

We build our lives on joy. Joy remains when happiness fades. Joy whispers truth when fear is loud. Joy reminds us that we are held, loved, and never alone. And that is something no circumstance can take away.

Put your hope in Christ and His joy will flood your heart to strengthen you when you would otherwise be unable to continue. The Lord is literally the solution for every issue of this world!

Seek the Lord with all of your heart, and you will find Him and Joy will be your daily food!