“Happiness comes when what happens is favorable to us.”

A thought by Leonard Sweet, (2012-01-03) from his book, I Am a Follower: The Way, Truth,and Life of Following Jesus (p. 114). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

But what if it becomes unfavorable to us? Leonard goes on to say, “When circumstances at the surface of our lives are unfavorable, happiness leaves. It has a brief shelf life; it comes and goes rapidly. Joy is far different. It doesn’t fluctuate according to its surface surroundings. In fact, it can actually flourish in the midst of pain and suffering.”

But we strive for happiness when it is joy that we really need. Leonard says, “Our culture, it seems, is convinced that happiness can be purchased. Materialism, consumerism, and individualism have blended to form a hollow chocolate bunny within the American dream. Overpromising and underdelivering, the individual pursuit of happiness has catapulted the US to number one status as the most depressed and medicated nation in the world.”

But Jesus offers us joy. Remember what the angel said to the shepherds about Jesus birth in Luke 2:10 (NIV), “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” He didn’t say happiness which is what we strive for in so many ways but he said, “Joy”.

Leonard says, “The roots of joy are like those of desert plants that have the ability to thrive in arid environments. They grow long and deep, far below the dry sandy surface, to reach the water needed for life. Jesus is the source of our deepest joy. First followers draw from the deep underground springs of this joy not only to quench our own thirst but also to soothe the parched souls of those around us.”

The prophet Nehemiah said to his troubled people who were going through some rough times, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV). We need to hear that today. He is the source of our joy.

Leonard says, “Followers remain mindful of their joy quotient while guarding against an addictive dependence on happiness. Orthodox theologian Alexander Schmemann contends, ‘It is only as joy that the Church was victorious in the world, and it lost the world when it lost the joy, when it ceased to be the witness of it.’ Of all accusations against Christians, the most terrible one was uttered by Nietzsche when he said that Christians had no joy.”

So how does this make a difference in your situation today?

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