Joy and happiness although compared, are different. We can see these differences, especially as a Christian, throughout our lives. These differences become apparent as we grow and mature to understand what it means to have joy ,and what it means to have happiness. We soon understand that happiness is given to us as unsaved human beings, but joy is given to us as followers of Christ.
Joy and happiness are different in sense of time and place. Happiness is temporary, although it can be long-lasting, something will always come along that can affect your happiness. There are a lot of things that can affect you, even the smallest of things can lower your happiness. Joy on the other hand, is permanent and cannot be hindered. Even something tragic can't affect your joy in Christ for it is true permanent happiness. It can only be given by God and not taken away by anything in this world.
Joy and happiness also differ from what they come from. Happiness comes from worldly things like money, items, people, and other things. When you are down happiness can come from drugs and alcohol which can destroy your life and are only temporary. When you aren't Christian happiness comes from the world and the things it gives. Joy on the other hand comes from God, we can see His creation and have joy in the fact that He is our Creator. God gives us joy in all things that we do, and he allows us to be thankful for everything we have.
Lastly, happiness and joy are on different levels. Happiness is good, but joy is overwhelming and infinite. When we are in Heaven God says that He will wipe all our tears away and that we will be overflowing with joy. God says that we shall have joy in everything we do, even during the bad times. Happiness comes during the highs in life, not during the lows.
Even though these things are different, they still have similarities. God allows us to have happiness in the world even if we are not following and obeying him. But He allows people who do follow and obey him to be overflowing with joy, which is the permanent version of happiness. This means between joy and happiness, joy is the better option.
By Logan Parker (15 years old)
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