I heard it said once that happiness comes from happenings. I think for the most part that’s true, don’t you? A lot of things/circumstances/happenings make us feel happy. Maybe it’s a surprise birthday party when you didn’t think anyone knew or cared. Maybe it’s a new baby that has long been awaited. Maybe it’s the first flowers of spring or sunshine after many cloudy days. Maybe it’s a hug from a friend. Perhaps it’s a valentine from your sweetheart or an unexpected surprise visit from someone you haven’t seen in a while. Many things bring about happy thoughts. And yes, those do kind of revolve around happenings. I believe that I am mostly a happy person. I love life and I love people. Small things make me smile. I’m easily amused. That does not mean however that I don’t have sad times or even the rare angry times. And, those certainly do relate to happenings.

Happiness though can never replace true joy. A circumstance in a friend’s life brought the differences into the light. Several years ago my friend’s husband died. She certainly was not happy about his death. Oh, she knew he was in heaven and that blessed her but still – she missed him terribly. Her life on earth was never going to be the same. But, she had a relationship with Jesus and that’s where true joy of the spirit and soul comes from. Unfortunately, an acquaintance of hers said something to her one day to the effect of “how can you be happy and just go on with life so easily”? Well, I can tell you – it was not easy and it wasn’t happiness that she was exhibiting, it was the joy of the Lord. That was her strength. What a testimony she was to me during that time. I saw the difference.

I have another very dear friend who has endured much heartache in her life, more than I can imagine. However, she is one of the most joyful people I know. She lives out the joy of the Lord and the fullness of life to overflowing that God tells us is possible in Christ Jesus. I love to be with her and so do others. She inspires me.

Isaiah 49:13 – “Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song O mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”

Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 15:13 –  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Life is full of positives and negatives, good and evil. However, our attitude can turn our frowns into smiles. God makes all the difference!

Psalm 16:11 – “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 119:111 – “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.”

Let’s spread a little happiness and joy today as we truly love one another.

Happiness comes from happenings. JOY COMES FROM JESUS.