It’s a wonderful day to be a child of God. Have you ever dedicated yourself to pleasing other people with hopes that they would notice you in return? You do certain things hoping people will notice you. You hope people will except you. Sometimes you give your last just because you desire to fit in with the clique. Have you ever searched for love in all the wrong places? You hung with people, went places, and said things just to feel love. After all you have done, your search came up empty handed. Have you ever committed your life to pursuing happiness? For some reason you believe happiness is more important than the joy of the Lord. Have you ever walked away from the things of God because family and friends did not believe what you were believing? Their doubt discouraged you. Are you in need of peace of mind? The peace that passes all understanding.
This morning, I have been commissioned to come and minister to you. Somewhere along the way we have experienced confusion when defining happiness and joy. We believe both words mean the same. My friend, There Is A Difference! Besides the definitions we find in Webster, there are other differences. Happiness is based on certain things happening in my life. If things are going well, I am happy. If things are not going as I would like, I am unhappy or disappointed. The Bible declares in Proverbs 29:18 – Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. On the other hand, joy does not depend on what happens in my life. Joy enables me to smile and rejoice when everything in my life seems upside down. Joy is the satisfaction of knowing everything will be all right. There Is A Difference! While it seems dark in my life joy allows me to keep going until I see the sun shining again. The Bible declares in Nehemiah 8:10 – … for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
My brother, my sister, many people wait years for good things to happen in their lives. Their life is placed on hold because certain things have not taken place the way they would like. Many are pursuing happiness only to realize it was not worth it when they received it. There Is A Difference! The Bible declares in Romans 15:13 – Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Joy allows weary, wounded, and sad people to proceed as if everything was going well. Joy allows you to laugh when nothing is funny. Smile in the midst of hell. Work in a hostile environment. Believe when others doubt. Beloved, There Is A Difference! While happiness may bring a smile it only occurs when good things happen in your life. Joy is mentioned with the fruit of the spirit. It enables you to celebrate before you see the manifestation of your prayers. Dear friend, God desires to shower you with joy unspeakable. Remember, you do not need certain things to happen to experience God’s joy. Prayer for Today: Father, today I ask that you bless me with joy. The joy You promised me in Your Word. The joy that enables me to see You in everything. In Jesus’ name … Amen!
Scripture Reading for Today: Galatians 5:22, Ecclesiastes 2:26
May God Bless you at Your point of need!
Pastor Darrick D. McGhee, Sr.