Happiness vs. Joy

Jer 31:3 (NIV) - I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Early one Saturday morning while I was doing chores, God spoke to my heart extensively about happiness and joy.

It's a hard lesson to learn. And none of My children learn it completely.

You live in a deeply fallen world. Take hold of every bit of happiness that comes your way. But you must never allow it to become the source of your Joy. Happiness is forever fickle, here today, gone tomorrow. My Joy is deep and abiding. You can live without "happiness." But you cannot live without My Joy.

It breaks My heart to see you struggling like this, allowing circumstances and others to quench your Joy. My Joy is a gift to you. Let no person and no thing steal it from you. When you allow someone or some thing to control your Joy, you have made it an idol in your heart.

You can love family without making them idols. It's better for you, and it's better for them.