Devotional 02-27-2022

Where Happiness Fails, Joy Prevails

There are few things that people pursue more fervently than happiness. Influencing the activities they do, the advice they seek, and the possessions they chase after, this temporary feeling is one that many people attempt to keep constant through recreation, accomplishments, and spending. However, studies show that happiness has been declining for decades, particularly among those in this country.

In Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, Solomon notes the vanity of constantly seeking happiness, considering it meaningless after doing so for most of his life. Fortunately, while happiness is temporal and prone to failure, the Scriptures reveal the enduring nature of joy. This is true due to the following Scriptural truths:

It is eternal. 1 John 2:17 notes that the possessions and desires of this world, the things from which happiness come from, are temporary and passing away. Conversely, Galatians 5:22 lists joy as a fruit of the Spirit, who is eternal and always with us. Thus, while happiness is temporal by nature, joy is an eternal characteristic of God.
It is from God. As was just mentioned, happiness is dependent on the things of this world. Because of this, it is quick to disappear when trials and difficult circumstances come upon us. Conversely, because true joy is from seeking, obeying, and communing with God, His joy in us can withstand even the greatest of trials as James 1:2 states. Where happiness fails, the joy of the Lord prevails.
It provides strength. While happiness makes us feel good, its temporal nature can leave us weak and discouraged if we rely on it. On the other hand, Nehemiah 8:10 reveals the empowering nature of God's joy, which keeps our focus on the love, peace, and comfort of God even amid the storms of life. Thus, a self-centered pursuit of happiness weakens us, while a God-focused dependence on His joy strengthens us daily.
It is given, not earned. Similar to Solomon's account in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, happiness is fervently sought by many. However, despite their efforts, its fleeting nature often leaves them with nothing but the consequences of a vain struggle. Conversely, Jesus states in John 15:9-11 that by abiding in Him and His love, we receive His unconquerable joy as a gracious gift. While happiness is often earned for temporary satisfaction, God's joy is an everlasting gift that remains in us as we seek and humble ourselves before Him.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with happiness, its temporal nature makes it unsustainable in tempestuous times, especially when it is sought in a self-centered manner. Conversely, the joy of the Lord prevails in such times because it is an eternal characteristic of His that He graciously gives to us for strength, encouragement, and peace. Thus, though happiness will fail us, the joy of the Lord will always prevail.

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