Joy vs. Happiness

[Teacherbee_4]

I have read numerous articles, watched a few videos, etc. I still don't really understand the difference between happiness and joy, biblically speaking. Even when certain differences "make sense" to me, I still don't really understand/recognize the feeling in me or someone else differently. Does anyone want to take a stab at explaining it? Maybe your explanation will make more sense then the videos and articles I've read!

 

[r9miles]

Interesting

My biblical perspective is happiness is a carnal fleshy self-fulfilling emotion that is dependent on circumstance. The desire to look a certain way, get approval, be comfortable etc. Joy is an inner contentment that is stable regardless of circumstances.

Paul experienced joy even in prison. He surely wasn't happy but he felt joy because he understood God was using him. He was content and full of praise. He was joyful about his existence and experience because of its context regarding The Father but I would doubt he was happy with the lice, filth, lack of nourishment etc.

 

[Catdog12]

I agree

Yes! r9miles said it for me.

 

[BioAdoptMom3]

I agree with the other two - great explanation! I am reading an awesome devotional called, "365 Devotions for Living Joyfully". That book has helped me so much to be able to better comprehend the difference between happiness and joy. I bought a copy for a friend who has been studying the concept and she is really enjoying it too.

Nancy

 

[2teach2]

Great explanations......I was going to say that contentment goes along with joy. Happiness, to me, is more of a temporary feeling that is dependent upon one's circumstances. When circumstances are not good, we are not happy. Joy is found in being content with what we have and accepting of our circumstances.

 

[travelingfar]

Happiness and Joy

Happiness is a carnal, fleshy, self-fulfilling emotion, R9miles???

Really? I don't think that happiness has anything to do with carnal, fleshy, self fulfilling thoughts. That is a very negative interpretation of an enjoyable and pleasurable emotion.

 

[MAsped]

I'm leaning toward agreeing with travelingfar about what was said about happiness above (by R9miles). I tend to agree with the following definitions:

"Joy comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events."

Also...

"Joy is a conscious commitment to be happy, to have a sense of contentment for the moment, despite life's challenges. Joy is an internal lasting emotional condition and a stronger, less common feeling than happiness."

 

[r9miles]

Biblical

That would the biblical perspective.

 

[Teacherbee_4]

Hard to grasp

Thanks. It's still hard for me to grasp. Any of the same definitions/statements you gave are things I've read.

So is joy optimism then?