With depression rates on the rise along with the onslaught of negative distractions trying to get everyone’s attention, perhaps it is time to reflect on one question: “Do you seek happiness or joy?”
While on the surface these two emotions appear to be the same, they are significantly different. Even psychologists, who study behavior and brain function, believe there is a qualitative difference.
Happiness is described as a fleeting emotion that is exhilarating and often tied to a particular place, person, identity or event. It seeks pleasure in the moment.
Joy, on the other hand, is a long-lasting state beyond happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances. Joy can coexist with hardship and difficulty.
In short, happiness is a feeling based on circumstances and joy is a state of mind that defines circumstances.
Open the Bible and the words “joy” and “rejoice” appear more than 400 times. In John 15:11, Jesus Christ’s intention for all is clear, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Think about it. Jesus wants to give us His joy — not just any joy.
Meg Bucher, a Christian author, provides this perspective: “The difference in the Biblical definition of joy is the source. Worldly possessions, accomplishments, even the people in our lives are blessings that make us happy and fuel joyfulness. However, the source of all joy is Jesus.”
If you are seeking the source of all joy, Jesus Christ, and want a faith community that is deeply rooted in the joy found through Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, visit www.ihmjp2.org or call (970) 731-5744 to learn more about the Pagosa Catholic Community. Choose joy.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
