What is the difference between joy and happiness?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Many distinguish between joy and happiness by saying that joy is an inner attitude whereas happiness is a fleeting emotion based on circumstance. The Bible often uses the same words for both emotions, though. Many verses of Scripture ground happiness/joy in the Lord (Psalm 128, 84:12; John 15:11). This goes against the common view of happiness as being dependent on external worldly circumstances or stimuli. And it explains why Jesus called the “poor in spirit” blessed (Matthew 5:3), why Peter and the apostles rejoiced at being counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s name (Acts 5:41), and why the apostle Paul, despite his suffering (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), could still rejoice and encourage other believers to do the same (Colossians 1:24; Philippians 4:4).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Several different Hebrew and Greek root words translate as "happy," "joy," "rejoice," and "glad." In fact, the Hebrew esher can be translated as "happiness" or "blessedness." This word is used in Deuteronomy 33:29 where Moses tells the Israelites, "Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs."
• Esher is also used in Psalm 1:1: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Similarly, the Greek makarios can be translated as "blessed" or "happy." This is the Greek word used in the beatitudes. It is used in Luke 1:45 when Elizabeth tells Mary, "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." It is also used in Luke 12 in Jesus' parable about being ready, where the manager is called “Blessed” for being prepared when the master returns (v. 42).
• The New Testament often translates the Greek word chara as "joy."It is produced in believers by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul uses the word throughout the book of Philippians, to describe his feeling during prayer for them (Philippians 1:4), his hope for how they treat each other (Philippians 2:2, 2:29), and his feelings toward them (Philippians 4:1).
• Chara is used in Hebrews 12:11 and translated as “pleasant”: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." In this verse, though discipline is not an enjoyable experience, it is actually for our good. The writer of Hebrews encourages the readers that God "disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). The situation may not seem happy, but it is because of the longterm results.
• Similarly, James 1:2-4 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Most don’t associate trials with happiness, yet we can have joy in the midst of our trials.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“Put on a happy face.” “Grin and bear it.” Though common, these sayings defy our deepest feelings; pretending hard things don’t hurt doesn’t lead to outer happiness or inner joy. And it doesn’t reflect what the Bible shows as the human experience. Scripture presents genuine expressions of sadness and honest explanations of deep and painful hardships. But the difference between the world’s sadness and believers’ is that we have hope. We know that the hard things of this Earth are not eternal and that God is with us in the midst of whatever we face.

True and lasting joy, or happiness or blessedness, results from our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The Psalms equate happiness with sins being forgiven (Psalm 32), trust in God (Psalm 84:12), and walking in God's way (Psalm 119:1). Referring to believers, John wrote, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4). First Peter 1:8 says, "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." Our joy is dependent upon the truth of Jesus Christ and His presence in our lives. And that truth is certainly something to be happy about.

UNDERSTAND

• Happiness and joy are deeply connected in the Bible.
• True joy produces genuine happiness, even in difficult or painful situations.
• True happiness and joy is not circumstantial but rooted in God.

REFLECT

• When in your life has joy in God produced genuine happiness, even amid challenges?
• When do you find yourself affected more by circumstances than joy in God, and what can you do to refocus?
• How are you seeking to cultivate lasting joy that naturally results in true happiness?

ENGAGE

• How can we explain the connection between joy and happiness?
• How does joy sustain us through difficult circumstances and lead to happiness?
• How can we encourage each other to find joy rooted in God rather than in fleeting circumstances?