Happiness and Joy by Casey Michelson

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3

Years ago, I had an old boss who, whenever something would go wrong or be tedious, would sarcastically say, “Everything is just happiness and joy.” I always thought the irony was funny, but I never stopped to think about the difference between happiness and joy. I mean, is there one? Or are we as Christians really supposed to be all happy-go-lucky when we endure trials–when friends and family die, when ends don’t meet, when things get hard? Is that really what James is saying here in Chapter 1:2-3? Not at all.

I’ve found that happiness levels are temporary and ever changing, while pure joy is steadfast and ever growing. Happiness looks a lot like a stock market chart with various rises and falls, while joy is like a growing exponential curve. This is because happiness is of the mind and joy is of the heart. Joy is of the soul. Our happiness is dependent on and validated by our changing experiences each day. Simultaneously, our joy is dependent on and validated by our relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit of God, which grows as we daily come to know Him more.
 
Those two realities can coexist. We need to stop feeling a pressure that’s not there as Christians: a pressure to look like we’ve got it all together, that everything’s great, and we’re happy all the time. In creating that false, got-it-all-together personal identity, we’re growing our spiritual roots in sand. We look like the same plant above ground, but beneath the surface, we’re rooted in nothing strong enough to save us from a harsh wind. Instead, let’s remind ourselves that we don’t need to disconnect ourselves from reality to be a good disciple of Jesus. We can–in fact, we MUST–work through struggle with anguish, sadness, anger, frustration (and so on) WHILE being joyful in spirit. That’s part of the human experience on this side of heaven, and all of those difficult, complex feelings only draw us closer to God as we reach out in desperation for Him and His presence.

In desperation, I pray: Lord, we’re seeing a puzzle piece while You see the whole puzzle. Grant us grace, strength, and perseverance as we walk with You through the difficulties of our existence. In all of the trials we endure, give us the opportunity to experience our feelings fully in addition to the precious experience of the abundant joy of the Holy Spirit. And may we grow ever-nearer to You in steadfastness through these tribulations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.