Is there a difference between joy and happiness?

Yes, yes, and yes! Joy is such a little word, but it explodes with a profound meaning.

Depending on your translation, the Bible uses "joy" (or rejoice) over 300 times. "Happiness" (or happy) is only used about 30 times. There has to be a distinction between them, but what is it?

What is happiness?

"When you shall eat the fruit of your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you." —Psalm 128:2

We all have different things that make us happy, based on our personalities, interestsm, and life situations. I get incredibly happy to drive to the end of my side street and see that there's no one coming when I pull out into the highway. It's a tiny thing, but it makes me happy. Of course, about sixty seconds later, I'm no longer even thinking about that, now wondering if I remembered to bring my lunch.

Happiness, while lovely, is a fleeting thing and really dependent upon external forces. Happiness is nearly always an if-then thing. Let me explain what I mean with some examples of happiness from Scripture:

See how each example is dependent upon something else? Happiness is an if-this, then-that statement. If _________ happens, then happiness happens. If God reproves a man, then he will be happy. If you are gracious to the poor, then you will be happy. If there is no traffic, then I will be happy.

Now, don't misunderstand—happiness is NOT a bad thing. Quite the opposite! Happiness is a gift from God, and a very good thing. But happiness doesn't last forever.

What is joy?

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing." —James 1:2-4

Joy comes from the Greek word chara, and it means "to be exceedingly glad." Joy comes from a solid factor, an unshakeable fact: your faith in the Lord. True joy burns within you and is not dependent upon external circumstances. Take a few moments to read Philippians 1:12-24 and then come back. Go on, check it out. OK, did you notice verse 18?

"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice." —Philippians 1:18

The apostle Paul wrote these words while he was in jail and knew his life was nearing the end. Yet he still had joy. His foundation was in his Savior, and, through his suffering, the gospel spread throughout all of Rome. This was no fleeting happy feeling; it was assurance in God's power to use his life for God's glory.

When You Don't Feel Joyful

Maybe you have accepted Christ, you know your Savior has saved you and loves you, but you don't feel joyful. Don't worry. We all get like that sometimes.

This does NOT mean you are not saved or a "bad Christian." You may be struggling with mental health or mental illness struggles—such as depression or trauma. And that is NOT your fault or the result of a failed faith.

Life is hard, and some days it's harder to hold onto joy. But joy is not based on feeling; it is based on knowing. On those days when everything just feels bleak, remember and know that your Savior loves you, loved you enough to die for you, and will be there for you—no matter how dark it gets (Psalm 23; Philippians 4:13).

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." —Philippians 4:19

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