Something that has always been difficult for me is the realization that happiness and joy are two very different things. Happiness is always circumstantial or dependent upon something. I will be happy when I pass this class; or when “xyz” happens I will be happy. We find happiness in the things on earth. Joy lasts beyond the circumstance.
Joy is knowing that Jesus died and rose again to bring us salvation. With that knowledge, even in sad times we should have joy. This makes me think of Philippians 1 when Paul’s only concern is that Christ’s name is being proclaimed. In verse 18 it says, “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” From an Earthly stand point it is hard to see how someone could be so happy about being imprisoned and treated poorly, but what this scripture tells us is that Paul wasn’t necessarily happy about it, but that he found joy in the suffering because he knew that the gospel was being shared and he knew that was greater than his earthly body.
