The definition of Joy: 1. The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune,the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. The definition of Happiness: [from happy.] The agreeable sensations which spring from the enjoyment of good; ~ Webster’s 1828 Dictionary From many sources, I have been taught that joy and happiness are two totally different things; that joy is permanent, and happiness can fade and is worldly. By studying Joy, I do believe there is a strong connection between Joy and Happiness. Randy Alcorn’s, “On Faith Discussion of Is There a Biblical Difference Between Happiness and Joy?” provides a contrary explanation to the argument that joy is different from happiness. Randy Alcorn states that ‘the distinction between joy and happiness is, matter of factly, not biblical.’ Alcorn chose these verses below, as examples of how joy and happiness are used equally: *Esther 8:16 (NIV) — For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. *Jeremiah 31:13 (HCSB) -- I will turn their mourning into joy ... and bring happiness out of grief. *Proverbs 23:25 (NLT) -- Give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. Randy Alcorn’s comments on these verses and on the equality of joy and happiness: “The relationship between joy and happiness in these passages refutes two common claims: (1) that the Bible doesn’t talk about happiness, and (2) that joy and happiness have contrasting meanings. In fact, the Bible overflows with accounts of God’s people being happy in [H]im.” In other words; God’s people can have joy in Him, and can be happy in Him. So if we can be happy in God, is happiness worldly? In fact, one of the most reliable dictionaries, Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, states that happiness is actually a synonym for joy. But let’s take a look at Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, and the original meaning of the words in The Bible, from their Greek & Hebrew Roots. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible on Joy & Happiness Hebrew (Old Testament) Joy is found in 21 forms in the Old Testament with the following meanings: • To greatly rejoice • under the influence of any violent emotional like rejoicing, gladness or joyfulness • to go well with • mirth • delight • acclamation of a battle cry, alarm, shouting, joyful sounds, blow of the jubils • To brighten up • to cheer up • be merry • cause to rejoice • proclamation • singing • triumph Happy is found in 5 forms in the Old Testament with the following meanings: • Blessed • as interjection: HOW HAPPY! • to go forward • to be honest • prosper • to guide, to lead, to relieve • to be tranquil, • to be in safety Greek (New Testament) Joy is found in 8 forms in the New Testament with the following meanings: • Blithesome: light hearted • Gleeful • exceeding gladness • pleasure • Rejoicing Happy is found in 2 forms in the New Testament with the following meanings: • Supremely Blessed • Fortunate • Well Blessed • To beautify • To Esteem • To Count Happy Another common statement is that joy is not an emotion. (This statement is found on the internet more and 17,000 times.) Randy Alcorn states ‘this is and unbiblical myth.’ So: Is it true also that joy isn’t an emotion? Randy Alcorn’s response: “Some claim that joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not an emotion. But in Galatians 5:22, love and peace surround the word joy. If you love someone, don’t you feel something? What is peace if not something you feel?... [saying joy isn’t an emotion] is like saying that rain isn’t wet or ice isn’t cold.” Joy is a fruit of the spirit, but it is also an emotion. When we find joy in Christ, don't we feel something? Joy in Christ is an overwhelming feeling, it overflows in you, which makes you want to share the joy with others. This is like the way we feel love and peace, as Randy Alcorn stated before. Blithesome, fortunate, gleeful, blessed… what beautiful adjectives for Joy and Happy! Randy Alcorn says it so well, when he says, “You’ll find in Jesus the happiness and joy you’ve always longed for.” Originally posted on ourgoodnewsblog.weebly.com
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