The word happiness evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas or any occasion, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to your family and friends, or vacationing in an exotic locale.
Everyone wants to be happy; when you make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit: spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. It always lead to emptiness. But if happiness depends on on your circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party’s over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.
In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives–that He will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Jesus Christ as our Savior, Lord, and Lover of our soul.
Anyway, even kayaking is my happiness with my precious hubby. It turns into joy when we apply it on our journey as a couple who love and honor the Lord Jesus.
May God bless you and your loved ones. Feel free to contact me so I can pray with you.
Lilian Hosfeld 