"The very nature of Joy makes nonsense of our common distinction between having and wanting." -C.S. LewisHere's a great question for you: "What makes you truly happy?" Paula Francis, a woman from Vermont is trying to find out. She is currently walking across the U.S. asking people along the way what happiness means to them. She began doing this in 2012 with short walks that grew into longer ones.
Why is she doing this? It all began when a friend visited the small Himalayan country Bhutan. While there, she learned about a term Gross National Happiness, or GNH, which was coined by the king there in 1972. Just as the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, measures a country's economy, the GNH measures the happiness of the country's poplace.
After visiting Bhutan herself, Paula started the non-profit organization Gross National Happiness, USA. The focus of the group has gradually changed its focus onto measuring the things that truly matter, omitting wealth and financial status. The challenge in this is that the source of happiness differs between individuals.
Happiness can be defined as: the state of being happy. The Bible uses both "happy" and "happiness" about 30 times, depending on the translation. Another similar word "joy," or "rejoice" pops up over 300 times. Understandably, we may sometimes confuse "happy" with "joy." But there is a definite difference as they pertain to our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The thing about happiness is that it can be fleeting, or temporary. Temporal, or earthly factors such as circumstances, or other people can affect it. Things like job promotions, buying a new car, following a diet, even friendships are good examples of this.
On the other hand, joy provides a sturdier foundation. Consider joy as true contentment that is derived from internal, or inner factors such as our faith in Christ. True joy is not short-term, nor is it dependent on situations or conditions.
Need to see this in action, you say? Check out the Book of Philippians for an excellent study in the difference between joy and happiness. Paul wrote this book while being held as a prisoner in Rome. It instructs us on how to possess true contentment in Jesus Christ, no matter what our state of affairs may be (Philippians 1:12-24; 4:13; 4:19).
Ms. Francis' journey to find out what makes people "happy" has taken her many places, and many miles. But, as we have discussed, happiness can be brief, and is dependent on situations outside of our influence.
Although, happiness and joy, may appear similar in how they apply to our faith, there is a distinct difference. What separates the two is that joy is solidly, founded in both our relationship, and dependence on Jesus Christ. And, no other special method or measurement is required to learn more about this than your Bible.
Prayer: Dear Lord, in Your presence I find fullness of joy and peace. Make clear to me the path of life; and strengthen me always in Your glory. Amen
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Hailey
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.