Joy vs Happiness

It should not seem strange that troubling circumstances befall us. We are to be overjoyed, not because of the circumstances, but because God is able to keep us in the midst of the circumstances. James 1:2-3 says “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Our natural response is not to rejoice; therefore the believer must make a conscious commitment to face them with joy. Joy is from Jesus and is characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit, but happiness depends on the right happenings or the right circumstances. The word “trials” here denotes trouble, or something that breaks the pattern of peace, comfort, joy and happiness. The trial puts us to the test with the purpose of discovering that person’s nature or that thing’s quality.

God brings tests to prove, increase the strength and quality of one’s faith and to demonstrate its validity. Since every test of faith is designed to strengthen, if we wrongly respond, that test becomes a temptation to do evil. When we patiently endure, spiritual maturity will be evidenced and our faith will have produced a deeper and greater trust in Christ.

PRAYER: Lord, this world is not a happy place therefore I am so thankful that “YOU” are the essence of joy!! It’s Your nature, Your fruit and as I abide in You I can truly experience joy in in this world.
By Sis. Cheryl Torain