In the movie, The Princess Bride, Vizzini, the short, bald Sicilian, uses the word “inconceivable” on various occasions. Finally, the Spaniard, Inigo Montoya, played by Mandy Patinkin, responds, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”
We use the words joy and happiness interchangeably. But, spiritually speaking, there is a difference between the two words.
Happiness depends on our circumstances or what happens.
Joy transcends our circumstances and does not depend on what happens.
Happiness is fleeting.
Joy is everlasting.
Happiness is a feeling.
Joy is an abiding peace.
Happiness is not promised to Christians.
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit for those who have been clothed with Christ in baptism.
Happiness comes and goes as quickly as the possessions in our lives.
Joy is contentment no matter what we do or don’t possess.
This month, we will explore what true joy and contentment look like for a Christian. What do those words mean to you? Please share!