Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence, that all people are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Libertyand the Pursuit of Happiness.” He interpreted the mind of God and man pretty well; except God would have used the word “joy” in place of happiness. It’s a smaller word, but has a much richer and bigger meaning! God wants to fill us with His joy.
RELEVANCE
People all over the world have heard the “Christmas Story.” It includes the following:
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11).
Notice, the good news didn’t say, happiness to all people; but joy. The two Greek words are very different. Happiness (makraidzo) reflects a surface feeling of satisfaction; joy (charah) reflects more than a feeling, but a deeper inner state of being exceedingly delighted, glad and at peace. That’s what the joy of the LORD is.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What do you really want out of life? The world tries to sell us a bill of goods offering temporal feelings that fall very short of God’s true joy—His life—a state of life and being in Him.
REFERENCES
John 16:24; 17:13