It’s that time of the year when Christmas songs and lights are everywhere, and it seems like everyone around us is happy. What if we are going through life situations that make us feel unhappy? How can I ever be happy when my family is going through so much pain or my friend is suffering because of a job loss or some other life challenges? We often confuse the definitions of ‘Joy’ and ‘Happiness.’ A year ago, I shared about the topic ‘Joy’ at our work devotional time, and it was just a month after my mom went to heaven. I was thinking, how can I ever be joyful after losing someone I love so much?
At that time, I was researching the difference between’ Joy’ and ‘happiness.’ According to the online dictionary, “Being happy is an emotion, just like sadness, jealousy, or fear, and it is fleeting. Happiness depends on external circumstances and is temporary”. On the other hand, according to the dictionary, “Joy comes from within and is not based on our circumstances and is long-lasting.”
How can I be joyful when my circumstances are chaotic?
1) Pray to God – We can be honest with God about our feelings. If we are sad or angry, we can cry out to God and openly share that with Him. God already knows what we are going through, and He is the only person who truly understands and comforts us during these times. According to Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (New American Standard Bible). This has been one of my favorite verses this year because I’ve faced many life challenges where I needed God’s help and guidance. I’ve seen God answering my prayers when I cry out to Him, maybe not in the way I wanted, but according to His ways. When we pray, we know we are not alone, and God is with us.
2) Give thanks to God – You might ask how I can give thanks to God when all my circumstances look the opposite. I recently asked my niece what she is thankful for. She thought about it and said I have many things I’m thankful for, like shelter, food, parents, teachers, etc. I’m sure we all can find at least one thing to be thankful for. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (New American Standard Bible).
A few years ago, I was watching a sermon by Steven Furtick, and he mentioned that: “Joy is a focus before it becomes a feeling. When Jesus died on the cross, He did not have joy in the event but in the outcome”. According to Hebrews 12:2, “For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (New American Standard Bible).
As believers, we can have joy that whatever pain we are experiencing is temporary, and one day, all this pain will be gone, and we will be with Jesus in heaven. According to 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (New American Standard Version).
