Crazy Joy

Happiness is the positive emotion you feel when things are going well. It is how you feel when pleasure is predominate over pain. Happiness is the state of mind of the life that is going well at the time. We might use "joy" in a similar sense, but there is a distinction between "happiness" and "joy." The primary distinction is that happiness is dependent on good circumstances and joy is not.

Is that it? Are these two feelings the same with the sole distinction that one is dependent on good circumstances and one is not? I don't think so. In fact, I don't think that can be true. If the source of happiness is pleasure and joy doesn't require pleasure, they can't be the same, can they? It doesn't take a Bible to understand that the two are distinct. Diffen.com compares happiness and joy. Happiness is contentment or bliss from pleasure; joy is a stronger feeling resulting from selflessness. Happiness comes from present sources; joy comes from spiritual sources. Happiness is an outward expression; joy is inward peace and contentment. Happiness is entirely dependent on circumstances while joy lasts based in inward conditions. Happiness is the result of any good experience; joy is the byproduct of a moral lifestyle. The two have similarities -- both are positive emotions -- but their sources, expressions, and persistence differ.

Thus, it doesn't end up being as crazy as it seems when we are commanded repeatedly in Scripture to rejoice, even in suffering (e.g., Psa 5:11; Psa 33:1; Psa 68:3-4; Isa 2:9; Matt 5:12; Rom 5:3-5; Php 3:1; Php 4:4; 1 Thess 5:16-18; James 1:2-4). That's because, first and foremost, biblical joy is rooted in the Lord. We know "the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh 8:10). So this positive feeling that is not dependent on circumstances is dependent on the Lord. But when you put it that way, you can see just how valuable and solid it can be. This joy can say, "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21). This joy can say, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him." (Job 13:15). This joy can say, "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Hab 3:17-18).

Joy is a command. It is a frequent command. It is a command independent of immediate circumstances. It is specifically commanded in harsh conditions. It is based on our relationship with the Lord and on His faithfulness. If our lives are not filled with joy, it can only be from a weakness in our relationship with Christ. Emotions cannot be commanded; choices can. If a right relationship with God produces this positive emotion, then you can mend that relationship and you'll experience joy. Joy in the face of any circumstances. Crazy joy.