If you listen to preachers long enough or read Christian literature often enough, you will probably hear about the difference between happiness and joy. Simply put: happiness is dependent on one’s circumstances; joy is an inner wellspring in spite of circumstances. The end result of happiness will be discontent of some form (especially if things turn sour); joy will be contentment in all circumstances.
Psalm 4 drives that point home. (Please take a moment to read it). Background: David is hiding in a cave as he runs from his son, Absalom, who is trying to take his life, thereby successfully taking the throne. Ancient law: take the life of the ruler = take the throne.
It has to be deja vu for David. He hid in a cave when King Saul tried to kill him. But that was different circumstances. This time its his son and he (David) is the king! In this psalm he is lamenting the path his son has taken.
What stands out to me though, is David is not content. He is not happy with the circumstances. But what David does have is peace and joy. Why? Because neither is based on circumstances, but on the God who rules them. Take a look at verse 3. Then look on down to verses 7-8: “You have put joy in my heart, more than when the grain and new wine are abundant. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, have me dwell in safety.” David’s security did not come from hiding in a cave undetected. His security came from God’s presence.
We, too, can have that same joy and peace. The same God David had is the same One we have. Find joy and peace in Him.
“Father, that is my prayer this morning. With all the turmoil around me, may I find your joy and peace.”
We can have God’s joy and peace in times of trouble when we focus on Him.
Blessings, Bill, and well said today!
Thanks Martha.
A relatively easy lesson to learn, but can be a bit more difficult lesson to apply. Joy, I believe, is a miracle from God. True Joy! Being able to be content despite the circumstances, despite the attacks, despite the pain and the hurt, despite the misery or the loss.
Joy can really only come from God as He is really the only one that can fill the void that come when the circumstances of life bring us down.
Your prayer is my prayer as well, may I find joy and peace, despite the turmoil.
I tend to agree with you Ryan about it being a miracle from God. Only in Him…
Joy is always there, always present. But we have to be aware of it. Sometimes in our sadness we tend to forget that.
Joy comes from the peace of Christ is our hearts Ed. You are right in saying it is always there. We have to believe that it comes from Him.