5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
JOHN 15:5-11
While waiting in an airport this past December, I listened to a sermon that reflected on the difference between Happiness and Joy. Below are my unfiltered notes.
Happiness is circumstantial. Joy is a mindset.
Joy is a choice, a decision, an intentional focus.
Joy isn’t something that happens to you. It is something you choose to be.
You can’t always be happy. Happiness is temporary. But you can always choose to be joyful.
Happiness is centered and founded in our emotions. Joy is centered and founded in our belief system…specifically our beliefs about God.
As our emotions go…so does our level of happiness.
Joy is driven by more than a feeling.
Happiness is visible on the surface. It is tied to a moment.
Joy comes from a much deeper place. It is tied to something greater, our beliefs.
Happiness is tied to what happens.
Joy is linked to hope. Hope is tied to what is to come.
Joy can defeat the things that try to defeat you.
Joy is imminent, it is not conditional on outcomes.
Joy is stabilizing. It is consistent.
God will not give you Joy. He will give you the opportunity to practice the mindset of Joy.
When we choose these things, we become more of these things.
True joy is found in trusting and following, the unchanging, Jesus
Not in putting trust in temporary circumstances and outcomes.
While reflecting on the idea of Joy as a mindset, I read an article by two Stanford professors who have studied the behaviors that lead to long-term success.
Their findings indicate that long-term success is more common in individuals who view their success in the context of a journey rather than a goal.
This approach fosters a sense of personal growth and a deeper understanding of past actions, ultimately leading to sustained improvement and success. The article emphasizes the importance of reflection and adopting a growth mindset to reinforce and build upon achievements, thereby redefining success not as a singular achievement but as a continuous path of learning and development.
We might say the same thing about Joy. It is viewing your life in the context of a journey and not a goal or moment.
Phil Tieszen 