Written into the United States Declaration of Independence is the idea that US citizens should have an ‘inalienable right’ to ‘the pursuit of happiness’.
They call it the American Dream, I think. And it’s true of most western worldviews these days - they say we should pursue whatever makes us happy.
The problem is that ‘happiness’ is a result of what ‘happens’. You can do all you can to organise the world around you to make yourself happy, but you’ll still be dependant on circumstances.
Joy is different. It’s the result of something deep within you. It has nothing to do with external circumstances at all.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...” - Galatians 5:22
Living with the Spirit in you is a bit like being a tree that’s well planted and connected to the water that’s in the soil. You start to produce fruit. And part of that fruit is joy!
Whatever season you find yourself in today, you can produce joy without having to look for happiness. And because it’s in you, no-one can take it from you! So don’t pursue fleeting happiness - it’s nice but it’s overrated; ask God to release deep joy through you, in you, and to you. It’s so much better!
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