1 QUOTE

How sweet to be rid of those fruitless joys which I had once feared to lose…You drove them from me, you who are the true, the sovereign joy!

– Augustine

1 NOTE

When I graduated UCLA I received my diploma. I fulfilled my academic requirements (and spent lots of money). In return, UCLA gave me a piece of paper promising more favorable life circumstances: career, finances, etc. But UCLA would never dare to offer me joy.

What is the difference between happiness and joy? Happiness is based on the word happenstance: a chance, or chance situation, especially with a favorable outcome. If the boss treats us well, we are happy. If we do well on our test, we are happy. If the parking spots mysteriously opens up for us, we are happy. The musical artist Bobby McFerrin sang, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” The song assumes that we can choose to be happy. But I believe happiness follows our circumstances, not the other way around.

Joy is altogether different. Joy is a deeper, longer lasting, state of contentment. When life punches us in the mouth, joy keeps us standing. Circumstances (even the most devastating blows life may deliver) are not strong enough to take down joy. Happiness follows circumstances. But joy stands far above circumstances.

In John 15:10, Jesus promises joy: ‘“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” If we abide in him, Jesus promises his joy will be inside of us and our joy will be full. Jesus' joy is better in quality and quantity. The Trinity lived in this joy before the world was created. Jesus’ joy is a divine quality, and the quantity is inexhaustible. The theme of full joy explodes throughout the fourth gospel. Jesus is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). From his fullness, we have all received grace upon grace (John 1:16). Jesus fills the six stone war jars at the Cana wedding to the brim (John 2:7). Jesus fills the heart of the woman at the well with the Living Water, and she becomes a well for her entire village (John 4:14).

The joy of Jesus is best in quality and quantity. The world gives empty promises of happiness. Jesus promises satisfaction. 

You can have all this world. But give me Jesus.

1 QUESTION

I pray the Holy Spirit fills you this week with the joy of Jesus.

What action can you take this week to choose the joy of Jesus, and not merely hope for happiness?

LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Click below for a deeper-dive on Paul’s secret to experiencing joy, even in his sufferings.

Prison, Joy & Sovereign Mindset