Sermon On The Distinction Of Joy & Happiness

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used) - according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Both joy and happiness are considered the essential well-being of any existence. They are the positive and desirable emotions that lift or fill the heart in pleasure and provide purpose for life. The heart is the membrane of all life. Without a heart, there is little to sustain and fill, and any peace will be difficult to find. James E. Faust, an American clergyman once remarked: “A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.”

Colossians 3:15-20 confirms: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

Opposition is usually prevalent during any division of life. It may take extreme courage, tenacity and fortitude to overcome. Resilience may become of significant importance to gain the strength of suppression to defeat its negatory forces. However, we also need to remember that God is by our side during the darker hours of life. He will provide the necessary light and wisdom to escape the jaws of the lion, even though we may feel alone in the heart of its den. Joy can sometimes be hidden in the depths of adversity. For some, in the primary instance, the struggles may appear to diminish the overall beauty or freedom of joy. One may ask his or herself: “How can I remain optimistic and relish life to the full with elements of discord prevailing?” This is especially true in the subtle depths of misfortune.

However, if we can rise above this singultus by seeking God’s help and treating all problems as mere shallow streams that one needs to cross, then opposition itself can become incidental in magnitude. Thus, if this approach is effectively adopted, trials can outwardly create individual opportunities that encourage and invite their own lasting components of joy through the successful accomplishments or eradication achieved, and add yet another constituent of happiness or joy to life itself. James 1:2-5 reminds us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Amen.