Some people get the misconception that because Christians are told to be joyful in all things they should always be happy. Come on! Get real! I seriously doubt that when Paul was about to be executed he was ready to sing a chorus of “If you’re happy and you know it!”, and I have difficulty seeing John shouting “Woohoo! I’m so happy I’ve been persecuted and cannot live at home any more!” Happy and joyful are not the same!

Happy can be seen as the way you act in a situation, such as opening up that present you always wanted for Christmas, or finally landing that date with the hot cheerleader. Happy is an outward expression of how you feel inside.

Joy is not an outward expression. Joy is the motivation you have for doing certain deeds. Joyfulness is knowing that what you are doing is for a greater good. Revisiting Paul’s execution, he was probably joyful that he had fulfilled God‘s will for his life in spreading the gospel. John most likely was filled with joy in knowing that he was counted as one of Jesus‘ closest friends, and that he too helped share the gospel. I have had people insult me for my beliefs, and when they say the hurtful words, I don’t feel happy, but I am joyful that I have a living hope in God my Redeemer.

We are joyful that God is our helper, and that God is our hope for our salvation. We are joyful that we have been forgiven of our sins. We are joyful that God loves us and accepts us just as we are. We are joyful for the opportunity to share this forgiveness and love with the world around us.

What are you joyful for?