In our ongoing quest for happiness, we often find ourselves trapped in a vicious cycle of fleeting moments. We pursue what we believe will bring us joy, only to discover that it leaves us empty and yearning for more. But what if I were to reveal that there’s a realm beyond happiness? What if, instead of pursuing temporary highs, we experienced a deeper, more enduring purpose?

Let’s unpack this truth: God does not want us to be merely happy. Sounds shocking, doesn’t it? But bear with me because this revelation is not meant to bring despair; it’s a doorway to something far more meaningful.

The word happiness has its roots in the Latin term “hap,” which means luck or happenstance. It’s a reaction to circumstances, a fleeting emotion that comes and goes with the tides of life. Yet, despite our relentless pursuit of it, we find ourselves more discontented than ever. Depression and anxiety are on the rise, even in a society obsessed with the pursuit of happiness.

But what if there’s a better way? What if, instead of chasing after happiness, we pursued something deeper—something only God can give us? It’s called joy?

Proverbs 17:22 ESV

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Happiness is based on what is around me, but joy is based on what is within me. It’s not dictated by our surroundings but by the presence of something—or someone—inside us….Christ, the hope of glory. Joy transcends the ups and downs of life; it’s an anchor that sustains us through every storm.

Galatians 2:20 ESV

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The shift from chasing happiness to embracing joy is transformative. It moves us from a life dictated by external forces to one anchored in the presence of God within us. When we invite Christ into our lives, we tap into a reservoir of joy that surpasses anything the world can offer.

Psalm 16:11 NIV

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

So, let’s make the shift from the pursuit of happiness to the embrace of joy. Let’s stop chasing after fleeting moments and instead anchor ourselves in the enduring presence of God. True fulfillment isn’t found in what happens to us but in who resides within us. The more we align with God’s plan for our lives, the greater our joy becomes!